Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine by case study the effects of formal and informal school district policies on the implementation of school-based management (SBM) in six Southern California elementary schools and on administrators in districts in which those schools were located. Methodology. Three methods were used to collect data: semi-structured interviews, observations, and survey of documents. Interviews were used to obtain perceptions from site administrators and district-level SBM coordinators. Observation of SBM council meetings and a survey of documents were used to corroborate data obtained during interviews. Findings. (1) Site administrators viewed the superintendent's informal support as the most important factor in effective SBM implementation. (2) Site administrators observed that traditional practices and lack of trust were the greatest deterrents to SBM implementation. (3) District-level personnel also viewed the superintendent's informal support as the critical factor in effective SBM implementation. (4) District-level personnel perceived no one critical resister; lack of focus on instruction, limited resources, resistance to change, and lack of training were viewed as critical resisters to SBM. (5) Up-front communication with supervisor was the most effective strategy employed by site administrators. (6) SBM coordinators viewed SBM training for sites as the most effective strategy for increasing support of SBM. Conclusions. Some conclusions are: (1) districts have paid little attention to SBM policy formation, (2) informal policies and practices exert greater influence on SBM implementation than formal policies, (3) the superintendent plays the key role in effective SBM implementation, (4) parent influence may exert a major negative influence on SBM implementation, and (5) adequate training is an important factor in SBM success. Recommendations. Some recommendations are: (1) a clear vision of the intended SBM model should be transmitted to all involved in its implementation, (2) formal and informal policies should be analyzed carefully before beginning SBM implementation, (3) adequate, on-going staff development and parent education should be provided, and (4) further study should be conducted to examine the effects of contract waivers on SBM.