Decision Making

A summary of Hough & Paine's (1997) Collaborative decision making with teams focuses on schools creating their own future. Traditional decision making methods of autocratic and bureaucratic are compared with consultative and collegiate. These decision making methodologies impact on school cohesion and are responsible in generating a genuine commitment to continual growth. I support Shachar and Sharan's (as cited in Hough & Paine, 1997, p. 114) statement that "... both the school and classroom levels must operate on the basis of the same organisational model if real change in classroom instruction is to be achieved".

True leadership is as much about 'walking the walk' as well as 'talking the talk'. True collaboration and team work are instrumental to achieving the vision of the school - but it does not just happen - it must be taught, modelled and become part of the pedagogical practices of the Principal and staff. For a TL, leadership is about demonstrating and implementing practices that model collaborative and collegial efforts. They have the unique perspective of the school community from their work with all year levels, students, teachers and administration.