2004 Volume 11 Pages 181-189
The purpose of this paper is to clarify the present condition of school management and the significance of a school program policy, aimed at strengthening the independence and autonomy of schools in the State of Hesse in Germany. The analysis contained in the paper is based on the results of a questionnaire targeted at the principals of secondary schools in the State of Hesse. The following points are clarified in the paper. Generally speaking, as a result of strengthening a school's autonomy, on the one hand, the school becomes busier, while on the other hand, there is a greater possibility of making efficient use of the school budget. On the question of whether or not the scope for creative educational activities is broadened, opinions are roughly divided. The strengthening of a school's autonomy cannot be uncritically welcomed. Moreover, the consciousness of principals of comprehensive schools differs from that of other schools in respect of the situation brought about by the school program policy. It may be presumed that this is connected to the fact that the comprehensive school originally came into being in the context of advocating educational reform. It is precisely a unique school like a comprehensive school that can be seen as grasping the key to the success or failure of the school program policy.
