Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of sitebased management on the roles, relationships, and accountability of the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services relative to district office curriculum decisions, from the perceptions of the Assistant Superintendents of Educational Services. Methodology. The researcher used descriptive research. The population studied consisted of the Assistant Superintendents of Educational Services in Los Angeles County, excluding Los Angeles Unified School District and Long Beach Unified School District. A questionnaire was designed for this study to answer the research questions. The data were compiled and descriptive statistics, specifically means and standard deviations were determined. The data collected were analyzed for relationships, comparisons, and predictions. Further, the data were examined for themes found in the literature as well as for new trends. Findings. (1) Seventy-five percent of the school districts in Los Angel es who responded to the questionnaire are implementing site-based management. (2) Sixty-nine percent of the Assistant Superintendents of Educational Services in the sample reported an increase in their role relative to curriculum decisions. (3) Forty-four percent reported an increase in their role relative to providing technical information and advice to the sites regarding curriculum decisions. (4) Thirty-one percent reported an increase in their role relative to providing resources for staff development relative to the implementation of curriculum. (5) All reported a shift in their relationships with site principals to a collaborative, consensual model for decision making about curriculum. (6) While autonomy was also awarded the site principals, the autonomy had to do with implementation of curriculum. (7) Sixty-three percent of the sample indicated that their accountability for student achievement had increased. (8) The other change in their role as an effect of site-based management was the need for more time to work with more people reaching consensual decisions. Conclusions and recommendations. (1) The adoption of site-based management means major changes in organizational structure, management style, and allocation of power and resources. (2) Implementing site-based management changes all aspects of a system. (3) To be successful, implementing site-based management requires a long-term commitment, knowledge, leadership, and training in new roles and behaviors. (4) New accountability systems need to be established that include both rewards and sanctions. (5) Unless the teaching/learning paradigm is examined and changed, site-based management will remain merely tinkering with the system and not educational reform.