School organisation and operation in Uruguay

This chapter analyses how school organisation and operation in Uruguay can contribute to the effective use of resources at the school level. It deals with the distribution of responsibilities for school organisation and operation and analyses school quality assurance and development. Furthermore, it discusses the approach to school leadership, the organisation of learning within schools and how school facilities and materials are used to support learning. The chapter places particular emphasis on areas of priority for Uruguay such as the narrow emphasis of school inspection on supporting school development and the limited recognition of the important role that school leadership can play for teaching and learning. The chapter also reviews the role of learning support staff, schools’ autonomy over pedagogical processes and the use of resources, school-level strategies to address learning difficulties and the contribution of the school community to schools’ activities.