ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on answering the question to whom should our schools be accountable. Parents and students are the main users of the education service; teachers are the main providers of the service; and the state is the main paymaster. Individuals would have greater freedom within the government education system because they would not be required to accept standardised programs offered in assigned government schools. Middle income and poor parents would have just as much freedom to choose schools as wealthy parents. Most recently, important moves have been made to encourage the development of a school system where schools generally serve the interest of their local communities. This is being encouraged in part by the establishment of school councils on which parents, teachers and community leaders are represented. The whole issue regarding who should control the schools is obviously one of central importance because it largely determines both the form and the content of schooling.
