The aim of this enquiry was to ‘analyse the nature of the governance of international schools and the potential of accreditation for securing appropriate governance’. The research questions were: ‘What is the nature of the governance of international schools as experienced by heads of international schools?’ ‘What is the nature of the governance of international schools as experienced by representatives of organizations that accredit international schools, and the owners of international schools?’ and ‘What is the potential of accreditation for securing appropriate governance of international schools?’. The relevant literature was reviewed. Empirical data were collected by means of a questionnaire-based survey of heads, and interviews with: executives from accreditation organizations, representatives of owned schools and heads. A framework for the analysis of the data was developed, which employed two analytic distinctions: the ‘ownership’ of schools, and potential of a financial profit impetus. The main findings are as follows. The governance of international schools is not static, and successful governance is dependent upon the type of school and board structure. Boards tend not to receive proper and on-going training and many of the models of governance in use have inherent weaknesses, which require a more robust system of oversight. Governance structures and practice have not been able to keep pace with the increasing complexity of types of international schools. The organisations that accredit international schools, including their governance, have been unable to deal with the monitoring and enforcement standards of governance. Despite an inability of accreditation organisations to monitor and enforce standards of governance, they should take up this responsibility. To achieve this potential, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Accreditation organizations need to gain further understandings of the governing of ‘owned schools’. Common guidelines and standards for governance will be required.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:557795 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Sheppard, A. Paul J. |
| Contributors | James, Chris |
| Publisher | University of Bath |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
Page generated in 0.002 seconds