What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to create a conceptual framework for evaluating school accountability in Cambodia's primary education system.

June 17, 2026

A Conceptual Framework for Implementing School Accountability at the Primary School Level in Cambodia: A Synthesis of Theories and Related Literature

Key Points

The aim is to create a conceptual framework for evaluating school accountability in Cambodia's primary education system.
Document analysis of national education policies, theoretical models, and official reports.
Synthesis of academic research related to school accountability.
Identification of five core dimensions of accountability specific to Cambodia.
Decentralization enhances school autonomy in financial and management decisions.
Responsibility encourages professional development and shared accountability for learning outcomes.
Transparency improves trust through open information-sharing among stakeholders.

Abstract

School accountability is a critical mechanism in global education reform, strongly shaped by the New Public Management (NPM) paradigm, which emphasizes efficiency, performance, and evidence-based governance. In Cambodia, school accountability has been incorporated into national education policy through the Social Accountability Framework, focusing on transparency, responsibility, and community participation. Despite these efforts, a comprehensive conceptual framework tailored to Cambodia’s specific socio-political and cultural context remains limited. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for examining and measuring the implementation of school accountability at the primary education level in Cambodia. Employing a document analysis approach, the study reviews and synthesizes national policies, theoretical models, academic research, and official reports. The analysis identifies five core dimensions of school accountability: decentralization, responsibility, transparency, participation, and monitoring and evaluation. Findings indicate that: (1) decentralization strengthens school autonomy in decision-making related to management, finance, personnel, instruction, and administration; (2) responsibility promotes continuous professional development, effective leadership, and shared accountability for student learning outcomes; (3) transparency fosters trust through open information-sharing and reporting of academic and operational performance; (4) participation from teachers, parents, students, and the community enhances responsiveness and inclusiveness; and (5) monitoring and evaluation both internal and external-ensure continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making. This study proposes a holistic conceptual framework comprising five components and 22 sub-components appropriate for the Cambodian context. The framework provides policymakers and researchers with a practical tool to assess, analyze, and strengthen school accountability, ultimately con

Mark Helpful

Bookmark

Relay

View Full Paper