Qulity Assurance in Education

quality assurance in education

Author: Eka Tri Oktaviani / 2249100044
 (Class MPI 2B / Postgraduate Program, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung) 

Introduction: Good quality education does not happen by chance. It is the result of continuous evaluation, reflection, and improvement. Amid growing demands for improved quality in schools and madrasahs, there is a need for an evaluation system that originates not only from external sources but also from within the educational institutions themselves. This is what underpins the importance of the School/Madrasah Self-Evaluation Model (EDS). This evaluation is not merely a formality, but rather a vital tool for developing school strategies based on real data, actual needs, and existing strengths of each educational unit.

First: School/Madrasah Self-Evaluation is an internal process involving all school elements---principals, teachers, school committees, parents, and supervisors---to assess performance achievements based on the National Education Standards (SNP). This process is designed to help schools identify both strengths and weaknesses---not for comparison between schools, but for self-reflection and improvement. The evaluation covers a wide range of areas, from managerial to academic aspects, and its results serve as the foundation for creating realistic and sustainable development plans. EDS encourages active participation and a strong sense of ownership among all school stakeholders.

Second: Goal setting is a crucial stage in the implementation of EDS and performance evaluations. In the educational context, goals refer to the targets that schools aim to achieve based on the eight SNP components. These goals involve the performance of teachers, principals, and supervisors as three strategic elements within the education system. Goal setting is done through data analysis, problem mapping, and collective discussions. The aim is to ensure that quality improvement is not abstract, but measurable and evidence-based. It also serves as an internal quality control tool and a guide for implementing school development programs.

Third: For the evaluation process to be objective and well-directed, valid and standardized instruments are essential. The EDS instrument consists of a set of questions and indicators aligned with the eight SNP components, designed to reflect the actual conditions of the school. Respondents include principals, teachers, school committees, and students. The responses must be honest and consistent, as the results are used as the basis for drafting the School Development Plan (RPS) and other planning documents. The instrument includes both physical and pedagogical aspects and is supported by physical evidence and condition descriptions that enable accurate SWOT analysis.

Fourth: One of the main advantages of EDS is its ability to serve as a foundation for preparing the School/Madrasah Development Plan (RPS-M/RKS-M). Data from the EDS helps schools set priorities based on actual needs, not assumptions. The RPS-M is a medium-term plan (4 years), while the RKAS is annual and more technical. The planning process involves discussions with all school stakeholders to determine activities that are realistic, affordable, and directly impactful to quality improvement. EDS ensures that planning is not just a list of activities, but the result of reflection, evaluation, and collective awareness.

Conclusion: The School/Madrasah Self-Evaluation Model is not merely a reporting tool, but part of a quality improvement culture that must be continuously fostered in every school and madrasah. With its participatory concept, measurable goals, objective instruments, and outcomes that guide planning, EDS becomes a key pillar in creating excellent and sustainable educational institutions. The success of EDS does not depend solely on tools or procedures, but on the commitment and honesty of all school elements in building better education over time.

*) This article is adapted from the course material for the subject "School/Madrasah Self-Evaluation Model" by Prof. Dr. H. A. Rusdiana, Drs., M.M.
*) Link to course material: https://eknows.uinsgd.ac.id/mod/assign/view.php?id=292801, accessed on May 25, 2025.