School-based Management: Pros and Cons

The definition of school-based management is a structure or process in which decisions are made for an individual school by all stakeholders. Although the definition may sound simple, the implementation of this process can prove to be otherwise.

Since the 1970’s when the effective schools movement began, changes have become a big part of education. With these changes, the way in which schools are run has also evolved. Over time school-based management has become a powerful tool used in most schools across the nation. However, whenever there are changes pros and cons surface.

The benefits of school based management are long reaching. There are three main benefits of implementing this decision making process. The first being empowerment. Studies reveal that creating authentic partnerships between school and community requires a structure and framework. School-based management has become this instrument. Through this partnership, all parties are working toward helping children do their best.

The goal is always student success. When the community works with the school, ownership of ideas, changes, and new ways of thinking begin to occur. It is known that with partnerships schools improve the morale of students, parents, and teachers. This is a critical step in creating a constructive school-based management process.

Another benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked is high quality education. Schools are constantly working toward finding methods to boost knowledge acquisition.

Whenever, one discusses high quality, accountability is the next step. Schools that are on a constant quest for innovative strategies are also looking for ways to determine quality. This can best be done by holding stakeholders accountable. Not just one person is to blame. School-based management creates an environment were all stakeholders are on the look out for quality instructional techniques and at the same time are accountable for the success/failure of these new approaches.

The third benefit is budget. In the past, bureaucracies held the purse strings for schools. This top down method of administration often led to unnecessary funds being spent. With school-based management, schools have more of a say as to how and where monies should be spent. Schools are now fiscally accountable to not only their district, but also to the school community. In addition, school-based management makes it more difficult for local politicians to flex their power. The partnership of school and community protects the school from political influences that might be financially detrimental to the school.

With change there can also come turmoil. There is always a flip side to every system/process. Some schools have found that there are negative aspects to school-based management. The following are three objectionable areas. The first is effort. One of the core understandings of school-based management is the need for a variety of stakeholders. Everyone needs to be represented.

This diverse group of people can cause problems. With such a range of personalities, assortment of attitudes, combined with mixture of expectations, it can be difficult to make any decision. School-based management reveals a diversity that can become a complex and difficult task to work through. The effort it takes to stick with the process can prove to be too much.

An additional negative point is time. This seems to be a barrier that causes the most difficulty. With a new culture and changes in policy, it can take time to see the affects. Time also plays a roll in meetings, discussions, and research. Moving through the decision making process can consume lots of time.

The third negative side to school-based management is power. There have been schools were stakeholders want to use this venue as an opportunity to take over. Sometimes principals, not trained in the process, become threaten. Principals might feel the need to control/monopolize the group and take charge. This isn’t the purpose of school-based management. The principal is to be one of amongst a group of relevant stakeholders sharing the power and authority to make decisions. However, manipulation of power has occurred.

All school-based management stakeholders should have knowledge of the process’s pros and cons. This is powerful information, especially in the beginning stages of implementation. Understandings the benefits and pitfalls can guide all the stakeholders through the development stages. It is important not to loose sight of the goal – improving student learning.