Quality Assurance
This topic describes the quality assurance systems that exist at various educational levels and sectors. The topic specifies whether internal quality assurance is compulsory or recommended. On-going debates or initiatives concerned with quality assurance are also mentioned. Legislation related to quality assurance is also explained.
Quality assurance in early childhood and school education
The main policy goals of quality assurance and the various approaches used as part of an integrated system are explained here. Any major reforms are also highlighted.
Authors can chose to subdivide the section in the following way if it is appropriate
• ECEC
Responsible bodies
Approaches and methods for quality assurance
• Primary Education (or single structure education)
Responsible bodies
Approaches and methods for quality assurance
OR
• ECEC
Responsible bodies
Approaches and methods for quality assurance
• Primary Education and Secondary Education
Responsible bodies
Approaches and methods for quality assurance
Responsible bodies
This section describes the one or more bodies responsible for external quality assurance and provides information on:
• Their main missions
• Their administrative levels
• Their status in terms of autonomy from central education authorities
It also explains whether there are central recommendations or regulations on the players or bodies responsible for carrying out internal quality assurance or if this is left to the autonomy of local authorities or educational institutions.
Approaches and methods for quality assurance
The approaches used in external and/or internal quality assurance are described.
With reference to both, it is detailed whether it is an evaluation of:
• Individuals
• Educational institutions
With reference to external evaluation only, it is also specified whether it can be part of a Whole School Evaluation.
Quality assurance in higher education
The main policy objectives of the quality assurance system are highlighted here. It is also detailed whether this is supervisory or advisory in nature. Major reforms are also detailed.
Responsible bodies
The relationship of the external quality assurance body with the central government in terms of legal and operational independence is described. It is stated whether there are central regulations/recommendations for the carrying out of internal quality assurance or if this aspect is left to the autonomy of higher education institutions.
Approaches and methods for quality assurance
The approaches used for external and internal quality assurance are described here. The use of standards and guidelines is also detailed.
The following questions shall be addressed for external evaluations:
• Frequency of quality assurance
• Personnel selection and requirements
• Foci of evaluations
• Existence of standard criteria
• Procedures for evaluation
• Use of results
How internal evaluations are linked to external evaluations is also addressed.
Quality assurance in adult education and training
The main policy goals of quality assurance and any major reforms are described here.
Responsible bodies
The relationship of the external quality assurance body with the central government in terms of legal and operational independence is described. It is stated whether there are central regulations/recommendations for the carrying out of internal quality assurance or if this aspect is left to the autonomy of Adult education institutions.
Approaches and methods for quality assurance
The approaches used for external and internal quality assurance are described here. The use of standards and guidelines is also detailed.
The following questions shall be addressed for external evaluations:
• Frequency of quality assurance
• Personnel selection and requirements
• Foci of evaluations
• Existence of standard criteria
• Procedures for evaluation
• Use of results