An analysis of the role and competency perceptions of the primary school principals in the context of a probable school-based management initiative to be taken in the future (A case study in the province of Adıyaman)

Education which is formed in the frame of people?s life styles throughout the history makes some changes in the roles of instructors, students, administrators, educational instutitions and it also changes in terms of its mission while struggling to meet the changing expectations and needs of human beings. In this study primary school administrators? current managerial roles and competencies have been analyzed whether they would be functional in a possible school-based management initiative to be taken in the future. The study was carried out with 20 primary school principals in Adıyaman province in 2008-2009 academic year. In gathering, analysing and interpreting the raw data, from qualitative research methods have been used. A semi- structured interview form was used as a data collection tool and content analysis was carried out. Findings showed that the administrative structure of Turkish National Education System does not have the potential to solve the current problems, and the subjects also seemed to believe that present system is not functional. Furthermore school managers seemed to lack in some of the educational leadership qualities such as visioner leadership and budget management which are important leadership qualities that a school-based management process requires.Key Words: School Based Management, Leadership, Administrative Proficiency