ABSTRACT
This quotation from Donald Schon (1983) describes the delicate interplay and complex webs woven by a jazz combo. Without stretching the point too far, it is possible to argue that this quotation is saying much about the role of evaluation in school development. The process framework-built around evaluative questions and described in chapter 2-represents the underlying schema, which gives a basic shape to the enterprise. Evaluation techniques compose the repertoire-to be called upon to activate, and give body to, the schema. Put together, the schema and the repertoire of techniques create ‘the piece’, which develops out of the interwoven contributions of individuals, small groups and the whole ‘band’. In applying their feel for the situation and in thinking about what they are doing, the members are, according to Schon, in the process evolving their way of doing it, i.e. mobilizing and developing the development culture.
