Through Teacher Decision Making Al Fitzpatrick Laurel Elementary School Junction City, Oregon Research Findings Effective leadership and decision making are instrumental to the success of school improvement projects. Everyone accepts that school is a place for learning. This is reflected in the use of mission statements, slogans, mottos, and displays that underscore the school's academic goals. When educational issues arise, student learning considerations are the most important criteria used in decision making. 2.3.1 Strong leadership guides the instructional program f. The principal and other leaders seek out innovative curricular programs, observe these, acquaint staff with them, and participate with staff in discussions about adopting or adapting them.
Emphasis is placed on the importance of parental support of the school's instructional efforts.
Administrators and teachers continualy strive to improve instructional effectiveness e. Adequate time is set aside for staff development activities, and at least part of that time is made available during the regular work day. Staff members have input into the content of professional activities. This era was followed by the consolidation of small districts into more centrally controlled organizations. In the 1960s, in response to a need to be more responsive to local communities, districts did adopt more decentralized management policies.