Search Page

Accountability systems check that the rules have been properly complied with and make it possible to investigate and sanction potential misbehaviour. Schools are traditionally responsible for observing regulations and norms that are supposed to ensure good quality education, and more, generally speaking, educational systems are held responsible for the quality of their products, namely: students’ knowledge, skills, behaviour and performance.

Any prescribed action taken in connection with an examination or test that attempts to gain an unfair advantage. Beyond examination or test issues, it covers malpractices related to credentials, diplomas, research, academic journals and publications, admission to universities and accreditation fraud. Bias in the admissions or grading process; plagiarism.

The right by law – often through freedom of information legislation (acts or laws) – to access key facts and data from the government and any public body based on the notion that citizens should be able to obtain information that is in the possession of the state. Public access to information on resources allocated to schools.

Act of offering someone money, services or other valuables, in order to persuade that person to do something in return. Bribes can also be called kickbacks, baksheesh, payola, hush money, sweeteners, protection money, boodle, gratuity, etc. Bribery is widely criminalized through international and national laws. In particular, the bribing of foreign officials is outlawed by the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials. Bribes paid to be admitted into university.

Illegal use of public resources and therefore lack of resources for the intended purpose. Capture of school funds at the local administrative level.

Set of written guidelines, produced by public authorities or professional organizations, which details the set of recognized ethical norms (or values) and professional standards of conduct to which all members of a profession must adhere. Codes aim to enhance the commitment, dedication, and efficiency of members of the teaching profession, and to provide self-disciplinary guidelines by establishing norms of professional conduct. Teacher codes of conduct.

Dubious providers of accreditation and quality assurance or operations that offer a certification of quality of institutions that is considered bogus. "Accreditation” of a diploma mill.

Official examination of an organization or institution's accounts to make sure money has been spent correctly, i.e. according to rules, regulations and norms. Audit institutions like national and regional Auditor Generals, Audit Offices, State Comptrollers, Ombudsmen, Tribunals de Cuentas, Cours de Comptes, etc. make a vital contribution to good governance by detecting poor management and inappropriate use of public money. Audits of ministries of education, universities or schools; financial audits, audits of teacher management or of procurement procedures (e.g. textbooks).

When a person holding office in an institution, organization or company dishonestly and illegally appropriates, uses or traffics the funds and goods they have been entrusted with for personal enrichment or other activities. Educational funds used for political campaigns.

A situation where an individual or the entity for which they work, whether a government, business, media outlet or civil society organization, is confronted with having to choose between the duties and demands of their position and their own private interests. When a university professor sits in a selection jury and at the same time provides private tutoring lessons to candidates.