For the last 12 years, curriculum and instruction have been designed based upon Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The board also has subcommittees that explore important topics such as diversity within the school community. As Ms. Loper did, Dr. Hoerr points out that SBM will not work without top quality administrators. He remarked that SBM without good leadership can be far worse than a more rigid, centralized decision-making system. Teachers at New City are involved in decision making through committees and teaching teams.
Every teacher serves on at least one committee.
The committees focus on areas that directly affect curriculum and instruction and include assessment, multiple intelligences, student-involved conferencing, diversity within the school community, technology, and instructional assemblies. The teaching teams work together to establish curriculum themes, discuss delivery of instruction, and incorporate character development goals and use of multiple intelligences in the classroom. The process encourages teachers to work collegially based on Roland Barth's research on adult learners. The school staff is accountable to the board. Dr. Hoerr and his three assistants use a rubric to evaluate the teachers in these areas.