Using the analytical hierarchy process to construct performance indicators for comprehensive high schools in Taiwan

In recent years numerous position papers (Visscher, 2001; Wang, Shieh, & Wang, 2008) have been written about the need for ensuring the efficient and effective performance of educational institutions and an increasing number of policy makers are advocating that educational institutions be held accountable for their performance. Our purpose in this study was to construct performance indicators (PIs) for comprehensive high schools (CHSs), which provide general and occupational education programs. A literature review was completed, a panel discussion held, and field interviews were conducted. An analytical hierarchy process was used to make decisions on a framework of PIs for CHSs in Taiwan. The 2 main conclusions were that the most important indicator of performance in CHSs is the domain of “student and development” and that the difference between the experts’ and practitioners’ viewpoints on those schools’ performances should be addressed in the near future.