What is school autonomy, and why does it matter?

Professor Brian Caldwell’s interview with Cassie McCullagh on RN (Life Matters) on the topic What is school autonomy, and why does it matter? 

There’s a catchy phrase that’s been doing the rounds in education circles for a few years. It’s called school autonomy.  In 2014 the Federal Government announced plans to make more than 1500 Australian schools more autonomous.  Principals will have more control over their budgets and more power to select teachers. But will the benefits trickle down to students?

A central theme in Australian education is making schools more autonomous, but what are the implications for students?