Site-Based Management Problems in Schools CURRENT PROBLEMS IN SITE-BAS

Description of the Research Problem

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the variety of problems involved in site-based management as used in the public school system. Once identified, possible solutions to correcting these problems are offered. These solutions, it is hoped, will assist in the overall effort to maximize the site-based management process in public school education.

The primary method that is used in the thesis to identify and discuss site-based management problems in education consists of a comprehensive review of the existing literature. Articles were compiled by first conducting an extensive review of several databases. These databases included ERIC, PsychInfo, Dissertation Abstracts, ABI Inform (organizational/business abstracts), and Sociological abstracts---all of which are available through Dialogue Database Services.

Once abstracts of the site-based management articles had been obtained, those articles pertinent to identifying problems in the site-based management process were obtained from a variety of different academic libraries. These articles were then reviewed for relevant information. This information is presented and discussed in the body of the thesis. Similarly, articles relevant to resolving the problems confronting site-based management were obtained and reviewed. This information is also presented and discussed.

emerged between actual participation and school morale. What this study indicates is that site-based management is not assisting teachers in terms of elevating their perceptions of being as involved in school-wide decision making as they would like. According to Jones (1995), this problem is most likely because upper elementary grade teachers are not being sufficiently encouraged to become involved in decision making and to establish an atmosphere of free discussion. Chappelow (1995) also collected perceptual data from samples of board members, superintendents, and principals regarding the implementation of site-based management in their school districts. Perceptions of the characteristics of site-based management and the current and predicted future implementation levels were compared among these three groups as the top decision-makers in school district organizations. Methods included the distribution of The School-Based Management Profile to the 304 superintendents in Kansas for completion by the superintendent, a board member, and a high school principal in each school district. Overall 149 individuals responded to the survey (79 superintendents, 49 principals, and 21 board members). Thirty individuals, including