Two universities in Spain, the Pablo de Olavide University and the Autonomous University of Madrid, have proposed a new framework for evaluating educational institutions that goes beyond traditional metrics like academic performance. Their report emphasizes the need to incorporate criteria such as sustainability and governance to assess the social impact of schools. This innovative approach reflects a growing societal demand for schools to contribute positively not just academically but also to the overall well-being of students and their communities.

The conventional methods of evaluating schools, largely centered on exam results such as the Spanish Selectividad and international assessments like PISA, may not sufficiently measure a school's effectiveness. This proposal responds to a broader societal concern, where families and educators are increasingly recognizing that the role of schools extends beyond merely publishing high grades. They are expected to contribute to social cohesion and help students navigate complex challenges, particularly in light of recent issues like bullying.

However, there's an existing challenge: many schools and their staff are striving to meet these broader expectations, yet there is a lack of objective criteria to evaluate their success in these areas. By proposing new measures, the universities aim to provide a framework that acknowledges and values the diverse contributions of educational institutions, highlighting the need for a more holistic view of what it means to provide quality education in today’s world.