Schools face hundreds of important decisions in the course of a year. The capacity of a school community to make good decisions rests on its drawing on the best thinking of the entire school community, making decisions based on data and not guesswork, and cultivating its ability to focus on those decisions that will have the highest impact on student learning.

• In successful schools, the faculty and staff are partners with the building administrator in many areas of decision making for the school.
  
  
• The collective decisions on which school staff focus their energies are those that are central to offering a positive and supportive environment for student learning. These include decisions about curriculum, teaching strategies, professional development, parent and community involvement, and school organization.
  
  
• Norms of collegial behavior and respect are consciously developed and form the underpinnings of the school’s decision making processes. The decision- making structure should be explicit, democratic, and inclusive.
  
  
• Careful consideration should be given to the best way to involve a diverse group of parents, community members, and, where possible, students in the decision making process.
  
  
• Data are solid information that help the school make thoughtful, constructive choices. The best decisions are based on a rich array of data.

If you have not already done so, take a closer look at these specific indicators and the areas of this guide that address them.

Indicator 1.1
Shared goals for achievable education outcomes are clear and explicit.

Indicator 1.4
School operates under the assumption that all students can learn.

Indicator 2.6
Teachers are involved in decisions about student learning.

Indicator 2.7
Teachers are involved in decisions about school operations.

Indicator 2.8
Parents, community, and staff other than teachers are involved in decisions about school goals.

Indicator 3.5
School programs are consistent and coherent.

Indicator 4.8
Staff development is provided in the areas of decision making and problem solving.

Indicator 5.1
Computer hardware and software supplies are adequate for students and teachers.

Indicator 5.2
Support services are adequate.

Indicator 5.3
Space for instructional activities is adequate.

Indicator 5.4
The school provides a safe environment for learning.

Indicator 5.5
Academic resources are adequate.