Shared Decision Making and Opening Up the School System
The term ‘opening up the school system’ is a term school facilitators and consultants use for the idea of involving the school community (including staff, parents, students and others) in the school’s decision making.
It is an approach which naturally causes trepidation amongst school and school district leaders out of concern for what will be revealed and what will come out of it.
But here is what Rita Schweitz and Kim Martens say about it in their book Future Search in School District Change – Connection, Community and Results:
“… the principles and practices of future search address some of the limitations of previous planning models, particularly those involving outside stakeholders. Future search addresses administrators’ fear of opening up “their” systems by clearly delineating the boundaries and responsibilities of all stakeholders. Community stakeholders play a vital role in shaping and implementing the future direction of the district or school. However, they do not write action plans for other groups, nor do they tell them what to do… The trust that’s developed as people work together and appreciate their similarities and differences is the basis for positive change.”
Done properly, it is the best way we know of for simultaneously creating a great school culture and great school community. Come to think of it, it’s the best way we know of for creating a great school!
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Advanced Meeting Leadership Workshop for Leaders and Consultants, with internationally renowned US authors and consultants Marv Weisbord and Sandra Janoff of Future Search fame. Sydney. October 2008. Large discounts for first 20 registrants!
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