The Bund-Länder-Inspektion (BLI) was introduced for German Schools Abroad as an instrument of quality assurance and development.
School inspections are carried out jointly by the federal and state governments of Germany. The organization is in the hands of the Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA). Educators experienced in schools abroad conduct the BLI.
The BLI determines school quality through an inspection lasting several days. Prior to the school visit, the inspection team analyzes documents that are submitted by the school.
The inspection focuses on classroom visits with as many teachers as possible. It is important to note that it is not the teaching competence of individual teachers that is determined, but the teaching profile of the school as a whole. Therefore, teachers do not receive individual feedback. The only thing that is determined is: This is how teaching is conducted at this school!
In addition to the analysis of documents and the classroom visits, structured interviews are held with all groups involved in school life - teachers, parents, students, parent advisory board (SEBR), Board of Directors, etc.
At the end of the school visit, the individual bodies of the school (board, school management, employees) immediately receive initial verbal feedback. The first impressions and results of the inspection are also presented to the school community. A few weeks later, the school receives the written inspection report. This report shows the school, with the help of the results, potential for development, but does not include specific advice or even concrete instructions for action. In order for the school inspection to be effective, all those involved in school life must be involved in reviewing the results. Conclusions should be reflected in a action plan.
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