ABSTRACT
School-based Curriculum Development (SBCD) and Site-based Management are specific examples of decentralization. There are many variations of SBCD. Any classification system for SBCD needs to include 'type of activity' on one axis; 'people involved' on another axis, and a 'time commitment' dimension on a third axis. SBCD is the term frequently used in the literature to describe site-based decision-making in Australia and the UK, and to a lesser extent in Canada and the USA. At a superficial level it is possible to list a number of problems that teachers and principals experience in undertaking SBCD activities. Commonly listed ones include: lack of time; lack of expertise; and so on. Rather than being about whole school curriculum planning, SBCD in Israel has focused upon site-based planning of part of the school curriculum. That is, required courses are developed centrally but elective courses and optional courses are developed locally.
