Determinants of Governance Quality in Elementary and Secondary Education: Evidence from Seoul, South Korea

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Abstract

This study examines factors influencing governance excellence in Seoul’s elementary, middle, and high schools, using 2021–2022 teacher- and school-level data from the Seoul Education Longitudinal Study. Applying Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) and a perceived needs assessment using Borich and IPA methods, the study identifies school climate, democratic decision-making, teacher collaboration, and principal leadership as key predictors. Governance perceptions were highest in elementary schools and declined over time, with secondary schools showing greater needs for policy improvement. These findings underscore the importance of context-sensitive, school-level strategies and offer empirical insights into how educational governance functions as both a structural and cultural process in localized settings.

Authors

• Junghun Hwang, Seoul National University

• Moonyoung Eom, Seoul National University