This review formed the basis for a six year quantitative and qualitative research study by Louis et al. ( This amounted to survey data from a total of 8 391 teachers and 471 school administrators, interview data from 581 teachers and administrators, 304 district level informants, and 124 state personnel, and observational data from 312 classrooms. It included surveys completed by headteachers and a range of other stakeholders, 20 case studies of primary and secondary schools and a literature review. The self-evaluation process aimed to increase student learning through the use of student assessment and clear learning goals and relied on the same tool in both schools.