The role of staff development in school-based management

Abstract

Hong Kong primary schools started to implement school-based management since 2000. In addition, studies show that staff development is a key element of school-based management and it can assist principals and teachers to manage school effectively. The study aims to examine how staff development has been effectively implemented in the school-based management in primary schools. A qualitative method of interviews is adopted in this study. Nine cases were conducted and a total of 9 principals and 9 teachers responded to the interviews. The findings show that (1) staff development is a key component of school-based management in Hong Kong primary school, (2) it is recommended to provide (a) ongoing school-based staff development, and (b) financial and time commitment to professional development, in order to achieve the successful implementation of school-based management as perceived by principals and teachers.