Assessing disaster-smart school governance to advance an integrated evaluation framework

Abstract

This research examined the governance factors influencing disaster-smart school governance (DSSG) and suggests a comprehensive evaluation framework to enhance resilience within educational systems. Despite global commitments outlined in the Sendai Framework and the comprehensive school safety framework, governance outcomes in school-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) remain inconsistent, primarily due to fragmented institutional capacity and a lack of empirical clarity regarding the significance of various governance dimensions. The research employed a quantitative design using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse data from disaster-smart schools, focusing on the impact of five governance constructs. The results show that risk knowledge (X2) has the strongest positive association with DSSG (β = 0.472, p < 0.001, F2 = 0.289), followed by learning, monitoring and accountability (X5) (β = 0.277, p < 0.001, F2 = 0.184). Leadership and strategic commitment (X1) and stakeholder participation (X3) show smaller but significant associations, whereas operational preparedness and/or resource management (X4) is not statistically significant (β = 0.017, p = 0.685, F2 = 0.001). These findings contradict prevailing assumptions that emphasise leadership and participatory engagement as the main factors influencing safety governance. The importance of system-centred governance is based on institutional strength, regulatory coherence, resource distribution and ongoing learning. Contribution: The research presents an evidence-based evaluation framework, highlighting that disaster-smart schools emerge from continuous, measurable and systematic governance processes.