This broad involvement does not mean an end to differing or the enforcement of ideology, but it does mean commitment to constructive action. Recognizing that broad, positive involvement of parents represents a major shift in the scripts or long established patterns of most schools, a school council may not count on this occurring automatically. It is necessary to structure frequent opportunities for communication and involvement. To achieve this goal, the definition of schooling must be broadened and altered to be more embracing of adults. In Comer's successful efforts, the school became a community center which welcomed and involved adults well into most evenings.
Time becomes a critical factor in allowing support scripts.
Unfortunately, schools have traditionally provided little opportunity for dialogue, exchange and sharing. School councils must address this resource issue early in the innovation so as to identify new ways to permit and encourage support scripts. Among other possibilities, the teacher's work day and work year may need to be changed to support site-based management. There must be more time for the sharing and consideration of ideas. Some of that time might be in evenings, some in the summer.