American educators are streaming to Edmonton, Alberta to study that city's successful implementation of site-based management, which gives individual schools wide-ranging control over curriculum, budgets, and management. Known as one of the most innovative school districts in North America, Edmonton requires that all students reach high standards, but gives schools greater autonomy and discretion to obtain these achievements. Superintendent Angus McBeath argues that giving educators a stake in reform efforts and allowing them to direct school operations will ultimately lead to more innovative, effective, and accountable schools. "When you give people the money and the authority, they behave like owners, and boy, do they do that in our system," says McBeath. Parents from the district are free to choose any school they wish, which encourages schools to create innovative programs (e.g. foreign-language immersion, performing arts) to attract students. Site-based management creates a sense of ownership that encourages teachers to participate in all forms of running the school, which in turn exposes teachers to new methods. "The one thing that I am absolutely certain about all of this is, that when you can get teachers talking to each other about what they're doing, student achievement will improve," says John Edey, a former Edmonton principal. Indeed, American educators are wise to emulate a system that fosters competition, innovation, and accountability, and we could definitely use more leaders like McBeath, who promises, "We're in an endless system of reform. We're not finished yet."
"An Edmonton journey," by Jeff Archer, Education Week, January 26, 2005
"Site-based management in Edmonton: An evolving idea," Education Week, January 26, 2005