FUTURE TRENDS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SCHOOL FINANCE: A DOCUMENTARY ANALYSIS

Abstract

School finance is a crucial component of every education system, but comprehensive guidance on what matters in school finance systems is lacking. Systems Approach for Better Education Results (SABER) presents a clear framework for benchmarking school finance systems together with six policy goals that all systems should meet. These goals promote effective strategies for channeling resources through the system, which begins with policies to ensure basic learning conditions, especially for disadvantaged students. This requires an informed and objective budgeting process, as well as monitoring resources on their way to the service delivery unit, the schools. This research deployed qualitative methodology to identify the appropriate framework for Malaysian school finance systems. The Malaysian government has launched a comprehensive review of the education system in Malaysia in order to develop a new National Education Blueprint. This decision was made in the context of rising international education standards, the Government’s aspiration of better preparing Malaysia’s children for 21st century needs, and increased public and parental expectations of education policy. The Malaysian government plans to maximize student outcomes for every ringgit. In this context, the SABER theoretical framework serves as guidance for efficient school financial system management.