School Self-evaluation as a Factor of School Effectiveness in Upper Secondary Technical Education (A Comparative Case Study)

Tanja Taštanoska

Summary:  The primary aim of the research was to gain deeper insight into the processes of school self-evaluation in Slovenian schools through the lens of school effectiveness. A comparative multiple case study of 2 low effective and two highly effective upper secondary technical schools with a combined quantitative and qualitative methodology allowed us to isolate key differences in school cultures and self-evaluation processes. 4 school heads and 12 members of education staff were included in semi-structured interviews, while 527 students replied to on-line questionnaires. Our research shows the connectedness of basic assumptions in school cultures with the content and place of the school self -evaluation process in the school operation. Based on the results we have designed a cultural model of school effectiveness and some policy recommendations for further development and support of school self-evaluation in Slovenia.