School-Based Management and Shared Decision Making. 20.1 Purpose It is the purpose of this article to allow broad based teams which might include administrators, teachers and parents at the school level to work collaboratively in the process of shared decision making. Shared decision making is a process in which all members of the education community at the school level collaborate in defining school goals, formulating policy and implementing programs to improve student performance and achievement. As schools continue to improve instructional programs and delivery systems, applications for restructuring efforts may be submitted to the District Restructuring Council (DRC) to facilitate a waiver of contract provisions, Board policy and/or California Education Code.
School-Based Management and Shared Decision Making. A. Governing Philosophy The Committee, the Union, and the Superintendent agree that the school site is the appropriate place for most decision-making affecting the education of children in that school. The parties also agree that the best quality decisions at the local level are likely to result from the process of shared decision-making. The purpose of shared decision-making is to create a climate in the schools where the faculty, parents, administration, students (at the high school level), and other community participants working together share the responsibility and accountability for school improvement, better student performance, increased satisfaction among professional educators, greater involvement by and with parents, and stronger support from the community. The parties recognize that the overriding goal of school-based management and shared decision-making is to improve the quality of our public schools and the instruction and learning of our students. The parties agree that Principals and Headmasters are the educational leaders at the school site. The building administrator is a key person in creating the environment necessary to bring about positive change. The Principal or Headmaster shares with teachers and parents (and students at the high school level) through their representatives on the School Site Council the responsibility to create an environment where learning and teaching are enhanced. The parties recognize that the most important interactions affecting student performance take place daily between teachers and students. Teachers, therefore, must be given a shared voice in decisions at the school site. The parties recognize that with this increased role in the decision-making process the teachers at the school site assume more responsibility and accountability for the success of the school. The parties recognize that parental involvement is essential in achieving educational success for students. Therefore, parents shall also be given a voice in decisions at the school site. The parties realize that to achieve effective shared decision making at the school level a significant restructuring of schools must occur, and the parties agree to work cooperatively in an effort to bring about these necessary changes. Significant changes in school governance, instructional practices, staff roles, and community involvement will require a substantial commitment from the leadership of the Union, the School Committee, and the Superintendent of Scho...
