In Switzerland the educational system can be particularly characterised by its high degree of federalism. The main responsibility for education lies with the cantons. This is particularly true of compulsory education, whereas with regard to post-compulsory education (upper-secondary general education, vocational and professional education and training, universities), the cantons and the federal government each have their own areas of responsibility. The EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) is their coordination body at the national level and has a subsidiary function. However, the past 15 years have seen closer coordination of the key features of compulsory education, for example the implementation of performance standards and harmonisation of the curriculum. Furthermore, in many cantons a systematic monitoring and accountability system has been implemented, although it is only low stake compared to many other countries. Besides the actors at the federal and cantonal levels, actors at the regional and local levels and the strong anchoring of schools in the community are typical characteristics of the educational system in Switzerland. In this presentation, after introducing the key features of the educational system in Switzerland, I will present empirical results to identify strengths and weaknesses of the system. The main focus will be on analysing of the effectiveness of the educational system in terms of equality and how the actors coordinate their tasks in order to improve the quality of schooling and learning. Both topics can be used to make the advantages and disadvantages of the education system in Switzerland visible and to discuss ideas for the further development of the system. https://www.ife.uzh.ch/en/research/teb/mitarbeitende3/maagmerkikatharina.html

Maag Merki, K., Emmerich, M. & Holmeier, M. (Hrsg.) (2017). Educational Effectiveness Theory. Further developments in a multilevel context. London, New York: Routledge.