MODELS OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENT IN EUROPA - THE SWEDISH EXPERIENCE WITH ALTERNATIVE MODELS OF MANAGEMENT

During the past few years, the conceptions of state control over schoo ls have changed considerably, also due to the relaxation of the confro ntation between the blocs. New models of management, however, reveal l ittle or nothing about the reduction or improvement of the quality of schooling. On the basis of a Swedish long-term study, the author shows that new mechanisms of regulation cause fewer changes than expected. Even radical reforms of the responsibility of schools, e.g. autonomy i n budgeting, in decisions concerning the content of teaching, or chang es in didactics, as well. as in the reinforcement of refresher courses for teachers, do not ensue changes in the schools' working methods. R ather, the mentalities inherent in the individual school's ''working s tructure'' remain the determining factor.