Given the apparent mixed results reported by previous studies (David, 1989; Hellinger, Murphy and Hausman, 1992; Jenni and Mauriel, 1990; Malen, Ogawa, and Kranz, 1990), this exploratory study attempted to examine the extent to which schools using a site-based management approach were engaged in decision making associated with curriculum and instruction, what roles teachers were playing, and what strategies were employed to assure the quality of the instructional program. It was conducted following a qualitative approach in order to understand respondents’ perspectives (Patton, 1990). Data were collected by means of extensive interviews with board members, district office personnel, principals, teachers, and parents from six school districts. These school districts were selected based on their reputation for having adopted a decentralized approach to school management. The findings of this study suggest that the participating schools are progressively addressing curriculum and instruction themes as they are developmentally ready. It was found that whereas schools have considerable freedom, school districts are providing “curriculum framework and guidelines” to assure an overall direction for the school district. Teachers are engaging in a variety of “non-teaching” roles as they introduce curriculum and instruction changes. Schools are using different strategies to maintain the quality of the instructional program, with staff development being the most common strategy. Needs assessment, campus planning, formative evaluation, and summative evaluation are other strategies used by these schools. Apparently, site-based management schools are making progress in addressing curriculum and instruction to meet their students’ needs; however, there is a need to study further how curriculum and instruction changes affect student academic achievement. Additionally, the impact of the changing roles of teachers on their teaching performance and on instruction should be studied.
