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Quality assurance in Irish schools: Inspection and school self-evaluation

Author

Listed:
  • McNamara Gerry

    (Centre for Evaluation, Quality and Inspection (EQI), Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Ireland)

  • O’Hara Joe

    (Centre for Evaluation, Quality and Inspection (EQI), Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Ireland)

  • Brown Martin

    (Centre for Evaluation, Quality and Inspection (EQI), Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Ireland)

  • Quinn Irene

    (Centre for Evaluation, Quality and Inspection (EQI), Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Ireland)

Abstract

In this paper, we provide an overview of the development of school inspection in Ireland over the past twenty years using the analytic and critical lens developed by Richard Boyle in partnership with the current authors. The paper is fundamentally a reflection on the nature, purpose and operation of evaluation in the Irish public sector through the lens of education. The paper provides a historical overview of developments in the linked areas of school evaluation and inspection, and goes on to explore how the implementation of this mode of quality assurance has influenced, and been influenced by, a wide range of policy actors. The argument made is that education has embedded a culture of evaluation in a unique yet systemically resonant manner and that a reflection on this reality will help illuminate our understanding of the role of evaluation across the public sector as a whole.

Suggested Citation

  • McNamara Gerry & O’Hara Joe & Brown Martin & Quinn Irene, 2020. "Quality assurance in Irish schools: Inspection and school self-evaluation," Administration, Sciendo, vol. 68(4), pages 161-180, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:admini:v:68:y:2020:i:4:p:161-180:n:11
    DOI: 10.2478/admin-2020-0029
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. McCONNELL, ALLAN, 2010. "Policy Success, Policy Failure and Grey Areas In-Between," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 30(3), pages 345-362, December.
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