Decentralization and marketization of education in Singapore : a case study of the school excellence model
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Journal of Educational Administration
Publication Date
1-1-2003
Volume
41
Issue
4
First Page
348
Last Page
366
Publisher
Emerald Publishing Limited
Keywords
globalization, markets, education, governance, Singapore
Abstract
Globalization and the evolution of a knowledge-based economy have caused dramatic changes to the character and functions of education in most countries around the world. In order to enhance the overall competitiveness of individual nation-states in the global market environment, comprehensive education reforms have been launched in different parts of the globe to strengthen manpower training. Realizing the fact that there is only one resource in Singapore - human capital - the Singapore government therefore has tried to maximize the potential of its citizens in the further advancement of its economic modernization. In order to make its citizens more creative and innovative, the Singapore government openly acknowledges the importance of allowing more autonomy for schools in charting their own courses of development. By introducing a policy of decentralization, the Singapore government hopes that schools could have more autonomy and flexibility to develop their strengths and thereby individual schools can evolve with their own unique features. One way to promote quality education is the introduction of the "school excellence model" (SEM) to engage schools in self-improvement and self-assessment exercises. This paper sets out in this policy context to examine and study the newly proposed SEM, with particular reference to examining and studying the philosophy and principles, major features and detailed procedures of this quality assurance model. More specifically, this paper will also analyze this model in light of the global trends of educational decentralization and marketization, reflecting upon the changing role of the Singapore government in educational governance.
DOI
10.1108/09578230310481621
Print ISSN
09578234
Publisher Statement
Copyright © MCB UP Limited 2003
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Mok, K.-h. (2003). Decentralization and marketization of education in Singapore: A case study of the school excellence model. Journal of Educational Administration, 41(4), 348-366. doi: 10.1108/09578230310481621