School Peer Review for Educational Improvement and Accountability: Theory, Practice and Policy Implications

This book explores how peer reviews are used in school improvement, accountability, and education system reform, with a focus on international cases and empirical evidence. It identifies barriers and facilitators to the development, use, sustainability, and expansion of school peer review.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 289 pages
Publication date: 04 September 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the multifaceted role of peer reviews in school improvement, accountability, and education system reform. Through a rich tapestry of international cases and cutting-edge empirical evidence, it sheds light on these critical issues. Moreover, the book identifies and explores the barriers and facilitators that shape the development, utilization, sustainability, and expansion of school peer review practices.

School peer reviews stand as a distinctive approach to internal evaluation, driven by schools themselves rather than external mandates like school inspections. These reviews involve schools collaborating within networks, conducting self-evaluations, and engaging in in-school review visits. Through this collaborative process, schools provide valuable feedback, challenge each other's practices, and offer support to enhance their performance.

Despite the growing prominence of school peer review in system reform and school improvement efforts, research on this model remains limited. This book fills a significant gap by offering a comprehensive exploration of the phenomenon internationally. It serves as a valuable resource for academics, school leaders, educational evaluators, and policymakers engaged in shaping education systems.

The book begins by providing an overview of the historical context and theoretical foundations of school peer review. It then delves into the practical aspects of peer review, including the processes, methodologies, and tools employed. The book explores the various purposes and benefits of peer reviews, such as promoting school improvement, enhancing accountability, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

To support its arguments, the book presents a wealth of international cases that showcase the diverse applications of school peer review in different educational contexts. These cases provide real-world examples of how peer reviews have been implemented, the challenges encountered, and the outcomes achieved. The book also incorporates new empirical evidence from recent research studies, which further strengthens its insights and contributions.

In addition to examining the barriers and facilitators to the development, use, sustainability, and expansion of school peer review, the book offers practical strategies and recommendations for implementing and sustaining effective peer review practices. It discusses the importance of building trust, establishing clear guidelines and protocols, and providing ongoing training and support to participants. The book also highlights the role of leadership in fostering a culture of peer review and promoting its expansion within schools and education systems.

By providing a comprehensive and evidence-based examination of school peer reviews, this book offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to enhance the quality of education and promote school improvement. It serves as a roadmap for those interested in exploring the potential of peer reviews as a powerful tool for educational reform and transformation.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030481322
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020