The quiddity of good governance in schools abuts on quality assurance and standards. It is important to wend that way so as to enhance sustainability and success. There is the exigence of building trust among key stakeholders. The management must make judicious decisions, and ensure that resources are used prudently and responsibly.
Schools should adhere to legal and ethical standards. As they also strive to meet manifold needs of the community. The Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Education is responsible for the overall governance and management of Basic Education and Training in the country.
Largely, the Basic Education Act (2013) empowers the CS to entrust this great responsibility to any agency, body, organ, or institution. As it may deem fit or appropriate. Delving deep, Quality Assurance, Standards and Risk-Management in schools is clearly explained in one of the latest policy document Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education (2025).
Quality Assurance and Standards in Schools
Foremost, by adhering to MoE guidelines, schools attain and maintain high educational outcomes. They also churn out learners who are fully-baked. Quality Assurance and Standards entails setting clear goals. Focusing on rigorous assessment. Continuous improvement in teaching and learning. Its key dimensions revolve around 5 thematic areas: (1) Leadership and management, (2) curriculum implementation, (3) learners’ welfare, (4) physical infrastructure, and (5) community involvement.
Secondly, in new education dispensation, of implementing CBE, Quality Assurance and Standards in Schools should be executed by strengthening both internal and external Quality Assurance and Standards assessment and reporting processes. Meaning, every school is expected to establish an internal quality assurance mechanism in line with the prolific provisions of National Education Quality and Standards Framework (2021) and Institution Based Quality Assurance Implementation Guidelines.
In that regard, this mechanism will, through an institution-based quality assurance; enable schools to carry out self-assessment on standards and quality in every dimension of quality and standards. It also generates reports replete with raft of recommendations to address and solve. Or correct areas and sections within the school with the broader view of creating a conducive teaching and learning environment.
Thirdly, external standards assessment in schools should be carried out by officers from the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Standards as clearly spelt out in the Basic Education Act (2013) and National Education Quality and Standards Framework (2021). The onus is also on external assessment team to offer technical support to the institution-based quality assurance team. There should be generation of time-bound reports, with raft of recommendations for improvement shared with the school.
Quality Management in Schools
Actually, Quality Management involves impressive implementation of rules, processes, and practices that support high academic standards, efficient instruction, and creation of positive learning environment. So, it is incumbent upon the Board of Management (BoM) in Senior Schools to: Develop a clear vision, mission and core-values.
Advisedly, in global standards, core-values or culture principles of an institution should be 6 in total. Jim Collins nodes to this noble notion in his heroic book titled Built to Last, where he explores successful habits of visionary companies.
Additionally, as part of Quality Management, the BoM should enhance leadership and governance. Establish quality management framework. Implement continuous improvement process. Develop student support and welfare system. Encourage stakeholder-involvement and communication. Likewise, it is incumbent upon BoM to promote a safe and conducive learning environment. Use technology to enhance quality. Focus on co-curricular development. Establish quality monitoring and evaluation system. Promote an ethical and inclusive culture.
Risk-Management in Schools
Consequently, to guarantee security, welfare and efficient operation of the school community, risk management should take pre-eminence. Therefore, there is the urgent need of identifying, evaluating and reducing risks related to health, safety, finances and legal compliance. It is the role of the BoM to establish a formal risk-management policy: Outlining objectives, responsibilities, and procedures for identifying and managing risks.
By the same token, BoM should establish Risk-Management Committee that welds school administrators, teachers and other relevant staff to oversee risk-management initiatives. BoM should regularly conduct risk assessment so as to ensure safety of school compound, students, data, financial management and legal compliance.
Furthermore, schools should develop emergency plans, and establish safety protocols for emergencies. Schools should train their staff and students on evacuation procedures, and conduct regular drills. Schools should develop and implement cyber security protocols. Schools should establish a reporting system for incidents or risks. Schools should enhance students’ welfare, and safeguards by implementing strict child protection policies, as well as training the staff on safeguarding responsibilities.
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Finally, schools should monitor and review risk-management practices. Schools should develop crisis-management and public communication plan. Schools should undertake legal audit to ensure compliance with all legal requirements, including child protection laws, employment laws, health and safety regulations, and educational standards.
By Victor Ochieng’
Victor Ochieng’ assists schools to write and review 5-year Strategic Plans (SPs). vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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