ABSTRACT
School systems are facing the political impact of contradictory trends towards centralization and decentralization. Central governments have assumed increasing control over curriculum and imposed additional testing and other accountability requirements on schools. The District was preoccupied with finances, the hiring of staff, etc. In other areas, it was expected that schools would deal not only with problems but also with matters pertaining to curriculum and staff development. Centralization has been increasing since that time. This district has a strong tradition of freedom and autonomy at the school level, and attempts to bring about greater central management have been very difficult. School systems have been trying to respond to the changes in political processes. The Aboriginal district had also worked to develop consultative and community based decision-making since its take-over of education from the federal government. To respond to political change is not only to promote participative decision making but also to engage in intellectual debate.
