Towards Quality Systems Development in NSW Public Schools

• Published in: School effectiveness and school improvement Vol. 13; no. 2; pp. 201 - 223
• Main Author: Berry, Geoff
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01.06.2002
• Subjects: Australia (New South Wales); Australian Business Excellence Framework; Educational administration; Educational Quality; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; Government schools; Institutional characteristics; Investors in People (IiP); ISO 9001/4; Management Systems; Primary secondary education; Quality control; Quality system; School culture; School effectiveness; School systems; Systems approach; Systems Development; Australia; New South Wales
• ISSN: 0924-3453; 1744-5124
• DOI: 10.1076/sesi.13.2.201.3436

While the notion of "quality systems" is firmly established in many public and private sectors, this approach to quality management is only beginning to emerge in schools. After an initial discussion of the notion "systems thinking" and "quality systems," this article suggests a model for the essential criteria for quality systems in schools. This model is then utilised to evaluate 3 widely accepted approaches to quality management within Australia for their applicability to the school situation - ISO 9001/4 2000, Investors in People and the Australian Business Excellence Framework. While it is suggested that all 3 approaches could have some relevance to quality systems development in schools, the unique culture of schools would present significant challenges to their utilisation.