Increased responsibility and shifting roles among teachers, students, and administrators are things principals must contend with under systemic reform. Because they are in touch with all members of the school community, principals are more aware of the complex relationships in schools, which enables them to help others in the school understand their unique role in systemic change. School boards can help provide vision for the school system, support change, arrange collaborative relationships with other agencies to ensure integrated services, and work toward shared decision-making. Conley notes that although some school boards are becoming increasingly mired in politics and micromanagement, others are backing off and focusing on the strategic direction of the school. They concern themselves with education and educational outcomes rather than managerial responsibilities.
Systemic reform is a broad and often ambiguous concept.
However, if it is viewed not as a fast-acting formula to cure all of education's ills but as a philosophy that advocates reflecting, rethinking, and restructuring, it has great potential to improve education. Allyn and Bacon, 1990. Bamberger, Richard, Editor. Barkley, Jr., Robert, and Shari Castle. National Education Association, National Center for Innovation.