In many communities, parents and other citizens are taking an increasingly active role in school processes such as the one described here. It is important to create a balance between the interests of families, the needs of business and employers, and the expertise and experience of educators who have committed their professional lives to the learning of students. All of these groups have important contributions to make within the learning community, and all should be involved in at least some stages of the process. Counselors play a key role in the learning community. They are in a position to know the challenges students face based on tracking and placement decisions.
Administrators are an important component of the learning community.
They have access to key information about policies that may inhibit or enhance this development effort. Of most importance, their active participation is a visible sign of the commitment of the organization to the process. Students are a part of the learning community as well. Having one or more students who have gone through the school's program participate in the process can bring an important perspective to this task. And involving current students at some stage in the process might also be useful.