Evaluating school inspection effectiveness: A systematic research synthesis on 30 years of international research. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hofer, Sarah I.; Holzberger, Doris; Reiss, Kristina
• Is Part Of: Studies in educational evaluation. Volume 65(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Inspection -- School evaluation -- Educational effectiveness -- Monitoring -- Systematic review; Curriculum evaluation -- Periodicals; Educational tests and measurements -- Periodicals; Programmes d'études -- Evaluation -- Périodiques; Tests et mesures en éducation -- Périodiques; 375.006
• DOI: 10.1016/j.stueduc.2020.100864
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-491X

Abstract

Highlights: School inspection has potential to fulfill policy enforcement function. No strong indication for positive inspection effects on school improvement. Positive perception of inspection quality beneficial for inspection effectiveness. Accountability pressure and attitudes towards inspection influence its effectiveness. Abstract: The present study summarized research on school inspection of the last 30 years to provide an estimation of its effectiveness and to identify factors influencing inspection effectiveness. Following a systematic literature search, k = 30 inferential statistical studies on school inspection were coded. Due to the large variety in the analytical strategies used in the studies, the findings were synthesized in a systematic review. Twenty-four percent of the n = 222 effects of the k = 16 control group studies indicated positive and 18 % negative inspection effects. The majority of effects (58 %) was not significant. The most consistent positive inspection effects resulted for standardized achievement tests in Mathematics and in the mother language. Perceived accountability pressure and the perceived quality of the inspection were two of several factors that influenced inspection success in the k = 16 comparison group and correlational studies. The findings highlight new avenues for school inspection research and practice.