Stability and consistency of school effects: evidence from senior high schools in China

Education systems focus on issues related to school effects and differences. School effects are used as a basis for accountability in various countries including China. This study investigated the stability and cross-disciplinary consistency of value-added estimates based on student scores in selected schools in a city in central China. The results show that the school effects exhibited long-term stability and consistency across subject areas, with the gross effects model being more stable than the value-added model. In addition, the study found a direct link between school ranking and stability in China. Ranking schools more reasonably and holding schools accountable are focal issues in the Chinese education system.