Who Should Make Decisions?

This case concerns conflict over decision making in a high school and highlights major differences of opinion regarding the purposes of schooling and the democratic ideals of education. Faculty members who have worked toward greater heterogeneity are at odds with parents who want more honors classes. The school's faculty council has instituted a process for decision making that assures teachers have a voice in matters of curriculum and instruction. The principal wants to keep parents happy but also honor the principles of shared leadership. The case demonstrates the tension between the needs of individual students or group of students and the aim of the school to best fulfill the learning needs of all students. It focuses on the democratic underpinnings ofAmerican education: How do you balance the input of all stakeholders when making decisions about school practice and policy?