Partnerships in school governance : foundation for reform and restructuring

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the role played by the state in developing partnerships in school governance, to establish how school governance reform and restructuring can enhance powers and functions of school governing bodies and to identify the needs and problems of partners in school governance. A literature study was conducted to investigate the role of the state in partnerships in school governance and its implications for school governing bodies. Reference was made to studies conducted in countries experiencing educational reform. An empirical survey was conducted to establish the views of the state and school governors. For this purpose, a questionnaire was sent to members of governing bodies, while an interview was held with an official in the Department of Education. It was found that the implementation of reform influences relationships and functions of governing bodies and causes problems which the state should address.