School Leadership Response to External Evaluation: A Case Study of the National Education Inspectorate in Jamaica

Abstract

The study was conducted using a qualitative case study design. It examined the perceptions and responses of leadership to the National Education Inspectorate (NEI) inspection process in a selected high school in central Jamaica that had been found to be operating at an unsatisfactory level since March, 2011. The assessment was done by collecting data from multiple sources, specifically structured and semi-structured interviews of the leadership of the institution to gain their perspectives, class observations and school documents. In addition, interviews were conducted with other important stakeholders such as parents and students to ascertain their views on the issue being studied. The findings of the study were then used to evaluate the impact of the NEI on the progress of the institution. From the findings, eight recommendations have been made relating to practice, policy and further research.