Decentralization as empowerment : the strengths, possibilities and limitations of autonomous schools

Abstract

The first part of the study examines the demands for increased autonomy of schools. The case rests on such arguments as greater participation and ·decentralization and the inadequacy of top-down strategies for change. The thesis argues that teachers as autonomous and professional persons, and other stakeholders should have a central role in curriculum development. The second part of the thesis is based on a case study of an autonomous, independent school, based on my observations working at the school. The discussion centres around the advantages and limitations of a decentralized system. The concluding chapter discusses the limits and possibilities of trying to generalize the situation obtained by the case study to the state system.