What is Decision-Making in School Management?
25th August 2022
To have an active vision focused on teaching and learning, schools must implement effective school-based management. These are usually harmonized with district and state values for student performance. Decision making is a process that directs actions. Educational leaders also must know whom to include, and know which specific decision-making model to practice.
There are 4 major resources that need to be recognized in school-based decision-making process. These are ---
- Knowledge and skills for creating new instructional strategies for the betterment of the school.
- Detailed information about the performance and development of the school.
- Power and authority to make decisions.
- Recognition and rewards in salary changes, professional development prospects, performance-based encouragements, awards for good performance, etc.
Some educators also use the terms shared decision-making and school-based management interchangeably. In general, the objective of school-based decision-making is to empower school staff by offering flexibility and capital to resolve the educational difficulties specific to their schools.
Helpful Decision-Making Tips for Contemporary School Leaders
Following proven decision-making tips for school leaders can help in managing tough decisions ---
Establish Clear & Achievable Goals
Establish clear and doable goals. Nevertheless, leaders also need to know that flexibility and backup plans are essential. Try to create collective goals among your teachers and staff. Clear objectives deliver us a precision of thinking and this leads to the better understanding of how to best use one’s time to pursue clear goals. But there are times when uncertainty hits the school thus, it is important to be flexible with a backup plan.
Discuss with Your Staff
Listen to your teachers, learners, and parents along with other staff. They know best. Do not make the error of assuming that your thinking is always the greatest. Take proper time to listen to your teachers, students, staff and parents, as they are more knowledgeable about the existing issues that arise in the classroom than you are.
Conduct Surveys
You can send out various survey questions to the whole school community frequently for a better understanding of the requirements of parents, students, and teachers. Or even if you want you can use Google Forms, SurveyMonkey and other kinds of online survey platforms to get a better understanding.
Stay Prepared
Always try to be ready for unexpected situations to get to your feet. Be equipped for the unanticipated. It is vital to be conscious of the unexpected events which can occur, like students switching to online learning, occurrences, and so on. Quick, up-to-date decision-making is critical in order to keep everyone safe.
Conduct Constructive Meetings
Do not conduct a meeting just for the sake of having a meeting. Planning ahead of time will safeguard that every instance staff is out of their classrooms are fruitful. Additionally, think about the professional development that you provided or can arrange for the development of teachers and educational professionals.
The Bottom Line
Well, the scope of decision-making basically has three dimensions – budget, personnel and curriculum. You are going to make mistakes, and that is okay. Certificate in Educational Administration and Management is something that is worth considering. Schools that are active in decision-making generally have a vision statement that focuses their decision-making process to make effective and long-lasting decisions.
Written By : Park Jin Ae
