THE INSPECTOR AT THE CROSSROADS Available to Purchase

The office of Inspector of Schools, so long an important part of the Australian State Education systems, has become the target for a barrage of criticism. There is no doubt that the function and image of the Inspector must move in new directions, particularly in view of an increasing professionalism in teachers. In this paper the history of the position is briefly reviewed and alternative new directions are explored. It is maintained that with a decreasing emphasis on assessment in school systems, the Inspector is still the most appropriate assessor of teachers, in conjunction with Heads. However, it is suggested that his major function must become that of the system's supervisor ‐ co‐ordinator, with both professional and public relations involved.