Centralization and principal's role in Saudi Arabia. (c2006)

Abstract

Exploring the influence of educational policies on principals' decisions is essential for future improvement. This multiple case study answered 5 questions regarding how Saudi principals react to and cope with centralization, how they make decisions about the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and teachers' professional development. The participants, 2 school principals and 17 coordinators, come from 2 private schools one in Jeddah and another in Riyadh. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews conducted with the principals and the coordinators and by questionnaires distributed to the coordinators. Results show that the centralized educational system in Saudi Arabia puts constrains that hinder principals' job. Thus, the researcher suggested an educational model. The participants' opinions about it showed that the majority favored the model but had some reservations.