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School self-evaluation: background, principles and key learning

Author: National College, SHA
Subject: Strategic planning
Audience: Headteachers, Middle leaders and aspiring headteachers
Date of publication: June 2005   |   File format and size: PDF, 675 Kb

In improving schools, self-evaluation is embedded in the day-to-day work of schools and classrooms, is integral to effective learning and teaching and is the driving force of school improvement.

In this research report, Professor John MacBeath draws on a wide range of sources from schools, local authorities, government agencies and published literature. He looks into what self-evaluation is, where it has come from and why it's so important. He also introduces the seven elements of self-evaluation and asks us to reflect critically on the following questions:

  • Why are we doing this?
  • Who is this for?
  • What is the best structure?
  • How are we to judge?
  • What do we do?
  • What are the tools for the job?
  • What does the final product look like?

The report also examines models from other countries and identifies the key messages for school leaders.