IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED MANAGEMENT
BEATRIZ D. QUITO
The Department of Education has stepped up its efforts to decentralize education management – a strategy that is expected to improve the Department’s operating efficiency and upgrade education qual i ty.
We are now accelerating the implementation of School-Based Management (SBM), a key component of Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda or BESRA.
With SBM, the school as key provider of education, will be equipped to empower its key officials to make informed and localized decisions based on their unique needs toward improving our educational system.
The Manual on Assessment of School-Based Management Practices – content of which has been developed and prepared with the participation of education specialists who have practical and diverse experiences in their field – has been produced as a tool to help educators manage and run our schools efficiently and effectively. It highlights the strategic importance of educating our children and other stakeholders in participating in educational activities.
This emphasis will make the task of our school heads and teachers easier, as the community will be one with them in their efforts to improve the school. Through the involvement of teachers, parents, and other community members in these key decisions, SBM can create more effective learning environments for children.
The advantages of SBM include allowing competent individuals in the schools to make decisions that will improve learning and giving the entire school community a voice in key decisions. Also, there is a more focused accountability for decisions, greater creativity in the design of programs; redirect resources to support the goals developed in each school; realistic budgeting as parents and teachers become more aware of the school’s financial status, spending limitations, and the cost of its programs; and improve morale of teachers and nurture new leadership at all levels.
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The author is Head Teacher I at Dela Paz-Libutad High School, San Simon, Pampanga