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coACTION Quality Management Page 11/14 June 2025 4. What is Needed for Sustainable Quality Development? Having explored why Quality Management (QM) in schools is important, what it can achieve, and who the stakeholders are, we now turn to the crucial question: What does a school need to not only improve quality once, but to secure it long-term and continuously develop it? Sustainable quality development is not a sprint, but a marathon. It's about establishing a culture of quality within the school that is embraced by everyone. Here are the essential pillars for achieving this: Clear Vision and Goals: The "Why" and "Where To" Before a school gets started, it needs to know where it's heading. The entire school community should develop a common understanding of what the "ideal" school looks like and what values it wants to uphold. A clear vision is the North Star of quality development. Measurable and achievable goals are derived from the vision. What exactly needs to be improved? Who is responsible for it? By when should it be achieved? These goals serve as a guide for all activities. Quality goals should be firmly embedded in the school's strategy and school programme so that they are perceived not as an "additional task," but as an integral part of school development. Participation and Involvement: Getting Everyone on Board Quality development only works if all relevant groups can and want to contribute. Pupils, teachers, parents, school management, and non-pedagogical staff – all stakeholders have an important perspective and valuable knowledge that should be utilized. By opening up fixed communication channels, opportunities for feedback, ideas, and criticism (e.g., regular meetings, feedback boxes, digital platforms) can be installed. Grant stakeholders not just a say, but genuine opportunities for co-creation and responsibilities. This fosters commitment and identification.