Implementing school-based management in Indonesia: impact and lessons learned

A USAID-funded project in Indonesia aimed to improve management and governance of basic education. A mixed-methods, multi-site study found that the project had a positive impact on schools and madrasah. The following factors were found to be associated with this impact: the whole school community participated; training was in school clusters; training was ongoing and follow-up mentoring was provided; working through local systems; basing the programme on government policy; providing technical assistance rather than funding; the programme was manageable and affordable for local partners; and building commitment at provincial and district level.