School Heads’ Testimonies on School Based Management Success: Concurrent Triangulation Study

Abstract

School-Based Management (SBM) empowers school communities by granting principals, teachers, students, and parents’ greater authority over budgeting, human resources, and curriculum decisions. This study evaluated SBM implementation in public secondary schools from 2021 to 2024 across four domains: Leadership and Governance, Curriculum and Learning, Accountability and Continuous Improvement, and Management of Resources. All domains achieved a Very High Level of success, with Leadership and Governance ranking highest due to strong administrative practices and strategic direction.

Curriculum and Learning reflected high-quality educational practices, while Accountability and Continuous Improvement demonstrated effective monitoring and responsiveness. Management of Resources showcased efficient utilization despite constraints. Participants highlighted the critical role of community engagement and project-based interventions. Initiatives such as SAVE LARDO, FEAT, and Project Achieve Numeracy significantly reduced dropout rates and improved student performance. Testimonies emphasized proactive leadership, collaboration with Local Government Units (LGUs), and continuous monitoring. Stakeholder involvement—from parents to LGUs and external organizations—supported decision-making and resource provision. Schools addressed pandemic-related learning gaps through student- centered approaches and data-driven strategies, ensuring targeted interventions despite limited resources.

Based on these findings, the proposed action plan focuses on four priorities: strengthening leadership and governance, enhancing curriculum and learning, improving accountability and continuous improvement, and optimizing resource management. Key activities include leadership development workshops, stakeholder engagement forums, technology integration training, and data management training. These initiatives aim to modernize teaching approaches, foster transparent communication, and ensure equitable resource allocation.

In conclusion, SBM implementation achieved exceptional performance across all domains, driven by strong leadership, effective management, and continuous improvement efforts. Community engagement and targeted projects proved vital in improving educational outcomes. Despite resource limitations, schools’ innovation and partnerships sustained key initiatives. The proposed action plan provides a strategic roadmap to maintain high SBM performance through empowered leadership, curriculum innovation, and efficient resource use.