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Descriptors:
Foreign Countries; Higher Education; Educational Quality; Models; Stakeholders; Employer Attitudes; Questionnaires; Outcomes of Education; Resources; Sustainable Development; Educational Finance; Employment Potential; Training; College Graduates; Achievement; Research and Development; Theory Practice Relationship

Abstract:
The present paper proposes a theoretical model of institutional quality of a higher education institution (HEI) which, in addition to the internal dimensions of quality, incorporates also the external dimension, i.e. the outcomes dimension. This dimension has been neglected by the quality standards and models examined in our paper. Furthermore, the standards and models analyzed consider stakeholders as one of the quality factors of a HEI. The stakeholders' perspective is seen as a lens through which stakeholders define, control and assess the quality of a HEI. The proposed model therefore gives stakeholders greater significance compared to the dimensions of institutional quality of a HEI. The model has been validated from the employers' perspective. On the basis of 339 completed questionnaires or a 39.74% response rate we concluded that outcomes constitute the most important dimension of institutional quality of a HEI from the perspective of employers in Slovenia. The outcomes dimension is followed, in descending order, by the non-financial resources and inputs, sustainable development, value chain, and, finally, the financial resources and inputs dimensions. The results of the study have shown that of the 44 quality factors of a HEI the following data are of key importance to employers: information on the participation of students in practical training, achievements of graduates at the workplace, implementation of a HEI's research achievements in practice, graduate employability, and a HEI's responsiveness to the demands and changes in the environment. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Stakeholders; Elementary Education; Foreign Countries; Principals; Case Studies; Early Childhood Education; Young Children; Economically Disadvantaged; Grade 1; Educational Policy; Interviews; Teacher Attitudes; Administrator Attitudes; Parent Attitudes; School Readiness; Educational Quality; Access to Education; Equal Education; Family Environment

Abstract:
In South Africa, the development of the 2001 White Paper No. 5 on Early Childhood Development (ECD) has been an instrumental policy in the development of changes to assist in preparing children for formal schooling, along with a strong focus on early childhood education. However the extent to which these are being enacted is relatively unknown. This study investigated understandings and practices of stakeholders involved in the transition of children moving from preschool or home into primary school in South Africa. A case study approach was adopted focusing on two schools situated in economically disadvantaged provinces of South Africa. School principals and teachers were interviewed to determine their knowledge of, and relationships with preschools, and practices around school transition. Grade 1 teachers were also asked about the factors influencing children's transition to school. Parents were asked about their views of transition and how their children were supported as they started school. Taking note of the children's own voices was imperative in determining how they experienced transition to school. While case study findings cannot be generalised, the results suggest that much needs to be done to increase awareness of early childhood education and for the government to move beyond universal accessibility to ensuring the quality of provision at the local level. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Achievement; School Effectiveness; Accountability; Achievement Gains; Data Analysis; Correlation; Educational Quality; Evaluation Methods; Scores; Mathematics Tests; Psychometrics; Grade 4; Grade 5; Elementary School Students

Abstract:
Accountability systems that measure student learning rather than student achievement have the potential to more accurately evaluate school quality. However, one methodological concern has remained surprisingly absent from discussions of value-added modeling. Standardized assessments that exhibit either positive or negative correlations between achievement and achievement gains will produce value-added estimates that contradict actual patterns of school effectiveness. This study uses student-level state assessment data to explore the ramifications of these relationships for value-added indicators. Within this state's assessment, the author finds strong negative relationships between achievement and subsequent achievement gains--initially low-scoring students appeared to gain more than their high-achieving peers. Because students are not randomly assigned to schools by achievement, these child-level correlations strongly influence school-level value-added estimates, in some cases quite dramatically. However, the manifestation of these relationships varies across four different analytic techniques, depending on how a particular approach modeled the associations between initial status and gain. (Contains 6 tables, 2 figures and 4 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Reputation; Institutional Characteristics; Periodicals; Educational Quality; Teacher Attitudes; College Applicants; College Choice; College Faculty; Foreign Countries; Economics

Abstract:
This paper estimates the effect that the league table published in the Sunday Times University Guide has on perceptions of the quality of universities by head teachers and academics, and on Home, EU and Overseas student applications, using data from 2005 to 2009 and a System GMM model for dynamic panel data. Our main result is that university rankings influence the perceptions of head teachers and academics, but have no statistically significant impact on student applications. There is evidence of persistence in perceptions and applications, suggesting the importance of reputational factors. Perceptions of head teachers and academics of pre-92 and post-92 universities are influenced by different criteria. (Contains 7 tables and 9 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Teacher Education; Educational Change; Service Learning; Expertise; Teacher Effectiveness; Teacher Persistence; Educational Quality; Beginning Teacher Induction; Standards; Role

Abstract:
Concerns around the provision and retention of quality teachers are global. Amongst these concerns are the preparedness of graduate teachers and the quality and nature of teacher education. The purpose of the article is to focus questions of teacher preparedness and education within a wider discussion around the professional life-cycle of teachers. Initial teacher education is viewed as the first phase of the professional life-cycle of a teacher; part of a professional continuum of learning and expertise, rather than a distinct preparatory phase. We do not present a detailed model for this continuum; believing there is still significant work to be done on defining and delineating the levels of expertise. Such work is beyond the scope of this paper. We do provide a starting point for further consideration. Further, we suggest a scaffolded transition, determined by the learning needs of teachers, between initial teacher education and induction, moving to in-service learning, with closer connections between providers and schools to mitigate against a disconnect between these phases of development. The potential role of professional standards in supporting teacher learning across the professional life-cycle is also discussed. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Criteria; Environmental Education; Foreign Countries; Case Studies; Outdoor Education; Educational Quality; Program Development

Abstract:
In most countries, protected area management agencies provide formal outdoor learning opportunities for a wide range of educational groups. For high-quality formal outdoor learning programmes that provide a range of experiences to be effectively delivered, specific resources and infrastructure are needed. Using the case study of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), this study sought to explore issues surrounding the planning and delivery of outdoor learning programmes in outdoor settings. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with education officers employed by five Scottish heritage agencies were undertaken. Based on the interview data, a set of criteria were developed that need to be met to effectively deliver outdoor learning in protected areas such as SNH National Nature Reserves (NNRs). The criteria can also be used to strategically identify and prioritise areas or sites for formal outdoor learning purposes. These criteria were then applied to SNH NNRs to identify and prioritise reserves for formal outdoor learning. The study identified a range of factors that need to be addressed in the planning and delivery of formal outdoor learning programmes and a set of criteria that need to be met to effectively deliver formal outdoor learning programmes in outdoor settings such as protected areas. (Contains 2 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Children; Information Dissemination; Conflict; Childrens Rights; Access to Education; Educational Quality; Civil Rights; Peace; War; Data Collection; Research Methodology; Educational Opportunities

Abstract:
Poor-quality, or completely absent, data deny millions of children the right to an education. This is often the case in conflict-ridden areas. The 2011 Education for All Global Monitoring Report (UNESCO 2011b) identified four failures that are holding back progress in education and damaging millions of children's lives: failures of protection, provision, reconstruction, and peace-building. Thus, the critical lack, and the varying quality, of data on education and on human rights violations against children during and after armed conflicts amount to what can be termed the fifth failure of the international community. This article examines how currently available data, and monitoring and evaluation systems, can be used and improved to better estimate the situation of children in conflict-affected countries, in particular with respect to education. In the light of international standards for data dissemination and data quality, it highlights the need for governments and the international community to expand our current capacity to provide general information on the impact that conflict has on education, children, parents, and schools, to ensure the right to education for millions of children living in conflict-affected countries. Such an effort would include specific steps to ensure higher data quality in terms of completeness and accuracy, timeliness, serviceability, and methodological soundness. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Educational Quality; Foreign Countries; Instructional Leadership; Urban Schools; Data Analysis; Rural Schools; Educational Resources; Parent Participation; Parent School Relationship; Elementary Schools; Questionnaires; Teacher Attitudes; Hierarchical Linear Modeling; Educational Environment; Rural Urban Differences

Abstract:
Shortcomings of educational quality in rural schools remain a key focus in the literature related to developing countries. This paper studies whether rural primary schools in Malaysia, an upper middle-income developing country, are still experiencing lower levels of educational resources, school climate, school leadership, and parental involvement than their urban counterparts. A survey questionnaire, containing items related to these 4 factors, was distributed to teachers in the 2 school locations. In the study, 1183 teachers from 63 rural schools and 1367 teachers from 60 urban schools were involved. Due to the hierarchical nature of the data, multilevel modelling analysis was used for data analysis. Open-ended questions were analyzed using text analysis. Findings showed that generally no differences between urban and rural schools in educational quality as perceived by teachers were found, which contradicts previous studies. Nevertheless, results did show that rural teachers perceived lower levels of school climate. (Contains 6 tables and 1 figure.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Higher Education; Learner Engagement; Student Attitudes; Foreign Countries; Predictor Variables; Student Experience; Focus Groups; Student Surveys; Graduate Students; Educational Quality; Online Surveys; Comparative Analysis; Multivariate Analysis; Regression (Statistics); Mixed Methods Research

Abstract:
Background: Measuring the student experience is becoming increasingly important in higher education in the UK. Student experience surveys are used as indicators of quality and form the basis of rankings of higher education institutions. They are also used by them as tools to assist their quality enhancement initiatives. However, these surveys frequently suffer from low response rates, which can reduce the reliability and usefulness of their data. The UK Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) is a relatively new survey and suffers from a low response rate. As this survey is new, little is known about why students do not respond to it. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the reasons why postgraduate students do not respond to the PTES. Sample: Three hundred and fifty-five postgraduate taught students from four health faculties in one UK higher education institution completed an online survey. Of these, seven participated in one of two focus groups. Design and methods: The online survey was completed both by students who completed the PTES in 2011 and those who did not. This provided us with cross-sectional data to compare both groups' knowledge of PTES and their reasons for completing or not completing it. We used multivariate regression analysis to explore which variables were associated with response to PTES. We led two focus groups to explore the themes that emerged from the survey in more depth. This data was analysed by two researchers using thematic analysis. Results: The cross-sectional data found that students who were not clear about the purpose of PTES were less likely to respond, independent of other potential predictor variables. Focus group data indicated that if postgraduate students felt a stronger connection to the university community they may be more likely to respond to PTES. Conclusions: This study suggests that higher education institutions may wish to review their strategies for advertising student experience surveys to focus more on the purpose rather than their impact. (Contains 7 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Educational Change; Public Education; Private Schools; Educational Practices; Elementary Secondary Education; Charter Schools; Educational Quality; Equal Education; Data; Access to Information; Political Attitudes; Politics of Education

Abstract:
Like many parents and educators, the author is concerned about both quality and equity in the school systems and schools, public and private. He is equally frustrated at the seemingly zealous focus on producing more and more charter schools when America have had: (1) limited success in that arena; and (2) limited data on their success. That stated, he finds value in the charter experiment. He thinks it is helpful to find out-of-the-box ideas of educational reform. However, he is challenged when he senses a need to grow more and more charters when data show that they perform largely lesser than other public schools. They can be dressed up, but if they look and feel like the lowest-performing schools, guess what? They'll be low performing, too. The author always finds it interesting that a bunch of community and business people can come in and think they build a better school than the bunch with education credentials. Sometimes they can. Most of the time they fail miserably because they are in way over their pay grade with respect to educational pedagogy. Of course, the real problem is that there are too many underperforming, out-moded, and under-talented schools. These are the bad schools, and the word bad is fitting. Over 55 million students are taught in K-12 public and private schools in the United States annually. The sheer scope of this issue is hard to fathom. Nevertheless, it is a critical issue that must be contended with in America, and the charter discussion is an important piece of that discussion. In this article, the author makes a few targeted points about Dr. Maranto's review of his edited book, "Finding Superman: Debating the Future of Public Education in America" (2012). (Contains 2 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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