In recent years there has been an increasing tendency for schools' websites and letterheads to display a plethora of logos and credentials claiming that they have passed this inspection or that (and sometimes forgetting to remove the logo when the re-assessment has not taken place or worse-still, failed!)

Whether it be sports-college status, healthy eating, international links or music prowess, all have their place in recognising the impressive achievements of staff and students alike.  However, I do wonder at times, what is meant by 'Technology' status:  Is it just a hangover from the 1990's when schools were first discovering 'Technology'?  -  Surely all schools that have attempted to move into the 21^st century are using 'Technology' in its truest sense?

If we can accept my definition of 'Technology' as 'meeting human need' we could look further at those credentials that help us do our job more efficiently, more enjoyably and to a better quality standard.  Some years ago, my studies in Total Quality Management led me to the following observations:

• That teachers thought that the imposition of 'Quality Standards' is an unnecessary added burden;

• That such standards would be forgotten after the award has been won;

• That staff believed that most parents don't understand TQM.

Conversely,  where schools had obtained various Quality Marks, the opposite was found:

• Quality Standards, when introduced wisely, made working practice simpler;

• That teachers, parents and students were proud to keep up the standards attained;

• That very many parents work in environments where strict quality standards are expected.
  

For further considerations of this topic please go to the section on Quality Assurance.

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