A Study on the Implementation of School Based Management of Secondary Schools in Sri Lanka with special reference to 1AB & 1C Schools

Abstract

School-Based Management (SBM) is a popular strategy which used to improve quality of education and educational performance by transferring significant decision-making authority from state to individual schools. In order to strengthen the concept of SBM different programs are implemented at the school level in various countries around the world. This study examined how School Based Management is implemented in different categories of secondary schools in Sri Lanka. The objectives of this study were to find out the role of the School Development Committee (SDC), examine what type of School Based Professional Teacher Development (SBPTD) Programs are being implemented and identify constraints that prevents School Based Management being implemented effectively in the schools. Altogether 08 schools, 08 principals, 08 members of the SDC and 200 teachers were selected for the study. Both questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to gather necessary data. The findings revealed that a significant number of teachers (72%) do not engage in different roles as SDC members and SBPTD programmes in their schools. The study further revealed that lack of positive and timely response from the community and the education authorities in Sri Lanka on significant issues affect the smooth, efficient and effective implementation of SBM in different categories of schools.