In this research, feedback is expected to emerge as an important inspection
characteristic for improvement of schools. Ehren and Visscher (2008) for example
found in their case study that all schools use the feedback received from the school
inspectors to improve their functioning, and after 6 months, all schools were still
carrying out improvement plans. Theories on schools as learning organisations and
school improvement support the role of performance feedback in effecting change.
However, not all types of feedback may be useful for schools (see Hattie and
Timperley 2007). Research on the use of feedback on student performance shows
that many schools have difficulties in taking appropriate action in response to
feedback data (see Altrichter 2010). Only feedback that is relevant, understandable,
clear, constructive, specific, accurate and useful will lead to actual improvement
(Doolaard and Karstanje 2001; Brimblecombe et al. 1996; Ilgen et al. 1979; Kluger
and DeNisi 1996).