Academic Journal

Instruments of Accountability in Brazilian Higher Education: Academic Rankings in the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission on the Administration of São Paulo State Universities

Bibliographic Details
Title: Instruments of Accountability in Brazilian Higher Education: Academic Rankings in the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission on the Administration of São Paulo State Universities
Authors: Martins, André Dutra (ORCID 0000-0002-6102-4618), Barreyro, Gladys Beatriz (ORCID 0000-0002-2714-5811)
Source: Education Policy Analysis Archives. Apr 2023 31(36).
Abstract: This study shows findings of an investigation into the forms of institutionalizing academic rankings as accountability tools for Brazilian public universities. The absence of institutional conditions which allowed the rise of these league tables in other countries - competitive admission markets and incorporation into public policies - evinces the peculiarity of the Brazilian case. This study examines the institutionalization of academic rankings in Brazil by analyzing references to rankings in the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission on the Administration of São Paulo State Universities, which took place in the São Paulo State Assembly from April 24, 2019, to November 5, 2019. Document analysis was conducted on audios and transcriptions of all 20 Commission meetings and the final report published at the São Paulo State Official Journal. Our findings indicate the idea of ranking performances as evidence of academic quality and excellence, raising questions regarding the rankings and governance structures of universities. Academic rankings have become relevant references to form opinions at the São Paulo State Assembly, prompting universities to actively respond to rankings and holding them accountable for their results.
Language: English
Availability: Colleges of Education at Arizona State University and the University of South Florida. c/o Editor, USF EDU162, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620-5650. Tel: 813-974-3400; Fax: 813-974-3826; Web site: https://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/epaa
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 23
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Accountability, Reputation, Institutional Characteristics, Educational Quality, State Universities, Public Policy, Government Publications, Reports, Evaluation Methods, State Government
Geographic Terms: Brazil
ISSN: 1068-2341
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1389762
ISSN: 1068-2341
Database: ERIC