THE CONCEPTS OF QUALITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GENERAL AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

This article presents three measures of educational quality and six types of accountability, noting that these terms are complex and often contradictory.  These terms are often used uncritically, with the result that educational policies following from them are misconceived or simply drift. For educational policies to be sound, they must be based on a clear use of terms and on a sound understanding of desired objectives. These objectives are matters both of stakeholders’ preferences and politics.  The subjective and political nature of educational policies should be recognized, so that there can be formed an explicit basis for and consensus around appropriate educational objectives. The purpose of this article is to bring clarity to the common concepts of quality and accountability in education, so that educational policies may be better informed. The methodological basis of the research is the methods of comparative analysis of scientific research in the field of social and natural sciences, the authors of which investigated human, social and cultural capital. The educational establishments of all countries need from time to time to deeply re-examine certain operative concepts.  In this regard, an informed consensus needs to be reached about the multidimensional and sometimes contradictory notions of quality and accountability.  Habit and drift are not helpful to educational policy; instead, educational values and goals should be actively discussed and clarified in broad national discussions, comprising all major interested parties. A good educational system is ultimately a civic achievement, set within a community of informed and interested stakeholders.