‘It’s better than catching frogs’: Understanding the importance of local context in the development of inclusive school self-evaluation in Lao PDR

Abstract

This article is an account of a project in Laos which aimed to support schools in evaluating and developing responsiveness to diversity in student populations. Teachers, students and members of the community were involved in review, evaluation and leadership of change to improve learning and participation for all school-aged members of the community, including changing school cultures in terms of curriculum and pedagogy and also access to learning for those previously marginalized within communities. The project (in nine primary schools) led to greater shared leadership, participation and voice prompted by self-evaluation. Analysis enabled greater understanding of the challenges and issues in working across cultures to effect sustainable organizational change. Spaces needed to be created at local levels for teachers to construct meaning and develop a sense of agency in making and owning changes in practice. This shifting of responsibility is crucial in order to build sustainable development.