Shared Decision Making at the School Level

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Shared Decision Makin.&. at the SchooL~evel
(A Statement of "Agreement in Principle"
to be incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement)

The Boston Teachers Union, the Boston School Committee, and the Superintendent of Schools agree that shared decision making at the school level is a goal to be achieved in the Boston Public Schools during the implementation of this collective bargaining agreement.
Shared decision making is a process in which professional members at the s'chool level collaborate in identifying problems, defining goals, formulating policy, and implementing programs.
The purpose of shared decision making is to cr~ate a climate in the schools where the faculty and administration working together,share the responsibility for school improvement, better student performance, increased satisfaction among professiona1.educators, and greater commitment to and communication with parents and the .broadercommunity•
. The parties recognize that the most important interactions that aff~ct student performance ·take place daily between teachers and students. Teachers, therefore, must. be given the. greatest voice indecisions about instructional matters .. The
• parties further agree that the building administrator is the key person responsible for creating' the environment necessary to bring about positive change. Principals and headmasters, therefore, must lead all emp1oyee~ in schools by encouraging collaboration, shared decision making, and teamwork.
'The parties realize that in order to achieve I3hared deciSion making at the school level a significant restructuring of schools must occur; and the parties agree to work cooperatively in an effort to bring about these necessary changes. Significant changes in school organization, instructional practices, and staff roles will take time; they will not be accomplished in a single year; and the task will require a sustained commitment from the leadership of the Union and the School Committee, and the Superintendent of Schools.
To begin this effort, the parties agree to initiate six steps beginning in
September, 1989. These six steps are addressed more specifically in other sections
of this contract.
"
1.
To expand the role of Faculty Senates.

2.
To·enab1e faculties and administration at the school level to develop more specific proposals for shared decision making.

3.
To create a joint Union/Management committee to promote shared decision making at the schoo11evel and assist schools in their planning efforts.

4.
To develop gUidelines for shared decision making at the school level, inc1udingaprocess for granting waivers from School Department policies and collective bargaining agreements.

5.
To provide'leadership training for school administrators and Faculty Senate members.

6.
To encourage individual schools to submit proposals for shared decision making at the school level, and, if approved, to a110w c such proposals to be implemented at the earliest possible date.

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