Education Scotland has published its latest National Summary Report, which monitors and evaluates the impact of the ongoing Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC).

The report is the second of three to be published this year and is part of the cycle for reporting on the implementation and delivery of SAC. This latest edition provides an overview of the progress of all 32 local authorities between December 2023 and March 2024.

Gillian Hamilton, Chief Executive of Education Scotland said: "This latest National Summary Report highlights the scope of work we have undertaken for the Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC) and summarises our performance from December 2023 to March this year.

"Our attainment advisors continuously work in collaboration with education practitioners and their associated local authority to offer support and advice where needed to help meet the mission of the SAC.

“Progress towards next steps being made by local authorities places a strong emphasis on the importance of collaborative approaches and we want to ensure that continues as we strive to raise attainment and reduce educational inequity for Scotland’s children and young people.”

The theme for this reporting period is evidence-based approaches, looking at how local authorities are using and developing them to support the delivery of SAC.

The main areas of focus are:

• local authority evidence/research
• professional enquiry
• maths and numeracy
• literacy
• the National Writing Programme

Our report highlights that evidence-based approaches are being used by all local authorities, and when developed using their own targeted research and evidence, there are strong links to improved outcomes.

An example of a numeracy intervention focused on working with pupil support assistants. In one case study, pupils in primary two who were off track to achieve First Level numeracy in primary four were supported by the ‘Stages of Arithmetical Learning’ approach, which in turn brought them back on track.

The report notes that using such case studies throughout provides a clear picture for practitioners of what is going on across Scotland to improve equity for children and young people.

One of the key messages highlighted in the report is a recognition that attendance is a considerable challenge across the country and a key priority for all. Further work is also required in the Senior Phase to ensure robust processes are in place to track and monitor progress towards stretch aims.

Positively, many local authorities have indicated that the advice and support provided by Education Scotland and its attainment advisors is highly valued and impactful.

The report also provides an overview of the progress being made towards the next steps for families and communities, as identified in National Summary Report for August to November 2023, released earlier this year.

Since its launch in 2015, the SAC has brought together education leaders in all sectors across Scotland to work collaboratively to raise attainment and reduce educational inequity across Scotland.