A conceptual framework for comparison of educational policies

This article deals with the formulation of a conceptual framework for comparing educational policies and assessing their impact upon educational outcomes. The conceptual framework includes six basic components: (1) educational policy-making, (2) educational policy-making inputs, (3) processes, (4) outcomes, (5) effects and (6) context. The framework focuses upon educational policy-making inputs, i.e. actions at the disposal of the government for influencing educational processes. Three general types of possible government actions are distinguished: (a) formulation of goals and problems, (b) policy instruments, (c) institutional setting. A general overview of the whole framework is provided before three types of educational policy-making inputs are discussed and classified in more detail. The article concludes with identifying potential uses and limitations of the framework.