Preparing for Decision-Making: Training for Effective School-Based Budgeting in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Denver.

So that New York City could build on the experiences of other large cities as it implemented Performance Driven Budgeting (PDB) in the schools, a study was conducted of the school based budgeting training in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Denver. These districts have from 6 to 10 years experience in site-based budgeting. The study is based on interviews with reform office staff and budget office directors, as well as principals, teachers, leadership team parents and staff members, district budget trainers, and external training program directors and trainers. Training materials and training evaluations were also examined. Descriptions of the programs in the three cities resulted in the identification of five key practices for model training: (1) institutional support for site-based decision making; (2) comprehensive training and information programs; (3) accessibility of training; (4) understandable training and materials; and (5) external training and technical assistance. The lesson that can be drawn from New York City is that the task is large and requires good decision making and substantial amounts of time. Training for all parent and community members is critical, and trainers need to help school leadership teams review all their schools' resources. (SLD)