Local education policy design: analysis and methodological framework

This paper aims to develop an analytical matrix for the systematic study of local education policies in Croatia. By conceptualizing key dimensions of education policies, it defines a framework for analyzing strategic documents, development plans, and decisions made by local government units. The proposed analytical matrix is based on qualitative content analysis and enables the coding and interpretation of aspects such as funding, school management, stakeholder participation, and educational priorities. The structure of the matrix is designed to ensure data comparability and to facilitate the identification of patterns in the creation and implementation of education policies. The developed methodological tool provides researchers and policymakers with a systematic approach to analyzing local education policies, offering deeper insights into their characteristics and challenges. As a result, the study contributes to advancing research and practice in the field of education policy.