Although student-based budgeting (SBB) is a multifaceted finance, governance, and management reform, little research has examined its governance effects. This article addresses that gap by reporting findings from a "critical case" of SBB, implemented under conditions that might promote meaningful teacher, parent, and community engagement…

School governance is a topic of general interest worldwide in educational research, and in recent years, it has also drawn widespread attention in China. In order to examine the problems faced in the process of promoting the modernization of school governance at Chinese primary and secondary schools, we conducted interviews with different…

This paper uses micropolitical perspectives to analyze the ability of a prominent but under-studied reform, student based budgeting (SBB), to substantially engage teachers and parents in decision-making processes at the school level. We test this particular strand of SBB's theory of action on an in-depth study of a "critical case" of…

The aim of this study is to find out the school administrators appointed in secondary education institutions about school council implementations and to develop suggestions for the school, council to function more properly. The study was carried out with 234 administrators appointed in secondary and high schools in Bahcelievler District of…

The authors in this special issue on systems-level consultation provide an excellent range of models for how school psychologists can work as system-level consultants within the various communities they serve. This article (a) provides commentary on the four articles in this special issue focused on systems-level consultation to serve diverse…

The OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) is the largest international survey of teachers and school leaders. Using the TALIS database, this report looks at different approaches to school leadership and the impact of school leadership on professional learning communities and on the learning climate in individual schools. It looks…

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of the implementation of a democratic approach to lead and manage middle schools in Chihuahua, Mexico. This research was based on a Likert questionnaire and semistructured interviews to explore the level of involvement of students, teachers, and parents in schools participating in a programme…

The authors argue that it is time to get radical about the Left's vision for education and develop a direction that communities can really own. The Labour Party being out of government for the first time in 13 years gives us a chance to consider what education means to the Left, and allows us to be innovative in how the Party can approach…

Despite overwhelming obstacles, including teacher shortages and woeful underfinancing, the Nomlinganiselo School in New Crossroads, South Africa, is well managed. The teachers are dedicated; the students are fed, cared for, and eager to learn. The key ingredient is the partnership Principal Makasona has formed with teachers and parents. (MLH)

As interest in school-based management grows and the number of efforts increases, the gap between the strategy's potential and its realization is being explored. Although school-based management may stimulate a redistribution of informal power or influence, there is little evidence that significant, long-lasting, or widespread changes are…

Presents descriptive and conceptual findings about shared-governance leadership from the perspective of 45 effective principals affiliated with the Georgia-based League of Professional Schools. Discusses contributing socialization factors and strategies (building trust, initiating facilitative structures, setting limits, encouraging group…

A study analyzed teachers' perceptions about shared decision making for school improvement, surveying teachers in School Improvement Councils regarding their attitudes about decision making and values inherent in their attitudes. Teachers felt satisfied that they shared the decision-making power. Parents and citizens actively participated in…

Political obstacles to curriculum changes can be avoided by inviting participation by curriculum specialists, teachers, parents, and other citizens in the decision-making process. (Author/MLF)

The City School is a K-8 magnet school in Lowell, Massachusetts. Student, teacher, and parent participation in the school's curriculum and governance have resulted in a strong sense of ownership and an effective and exciting educational environment. (GC)

The second of two volumes on planning parent participation programs, this guide is intended to be an aid in the actual program development. The importance of involving school faculty in the planning is emphasized. A description is provided of a seven-step development process in which the faculty team: (1) states program goals; (2) examines sample…