High‐performance human resource strategies in learning schools

This article follows the overhaul in the teaching profession in Singapore which grants schools with more autonomy to decide their own manpower policies. It argues the need for more systemic, high‐commitment, mutually‐reinforcing human resource policies to reinforce the learning trajectory in schools. This encompasses heightening the strategic value of teachers by appointing a human resource manager; reforming the hiring and selection practices to include selection panels involving incumbent teachers, novel selection criteria and job previews; and replacing the compensation structure with one that is transparent, skill‐based, team‐oriented, and which pays premium wages and affords non‐monetary benefits like work/family programs. It is believed that such an environment would ultimately effect the transformation of all schools to become ardent learning organisations.