Centralisation and Decentralisation in Education: A New Dimension to Policy

Abstract

This chapter provides a review on what is occurring around the world with respect to centralisation and decentralisation. Particular attention is given to developments at the school level in practices variously described as site-based management, school-based management, local management or the self-managing school. The case is made for the addition of a new dimension that moves the focus from almost exclusive reliance on a vertical line from centre to periphery to equal or even greater weight being given to lateral arrangements of networks and federations. The student is emerging as the key unit of organisation in a system of education.