• When persons who will be affected by decisions participate and share in making those decisions, better decisions are made.
  
  
• When persons are involved in making decisions, they have more ownership and commitment to outcomes.
  
  
• People who function closest to decisions that must be made and who are involved in operating as a result of those decisions are in the best position to help make decisions affecting that operation.
  
  
• When decisions affecting a school center and the educational programs provided by that school center are made by the persons responsible for implementation and outcomes of the programs, the school can respond more effectively to the needs of its students and the community it serves.
  
  
• If school centers and teachers are to be accountable for results, they should share in making decisions about how the school center will operate.
  

Results

• Students become more responsible for their own learning when they are valued as stakeholders in their education.
  
  
• Shared vision, mission, and goals result in higher achievement.
  
  
• When families, educators, students, and community members work together, the results are amazing.
  
  
• Better decisions are made when the expertise and strengths of stakeholders are used.
  
  
• Implementation of decisions is more successful.
  
  
• The district and schools learn quickly and respond to the changing needs of their communities.
  
  
• The district and schools ignite passion, energy, and commitment for improving the success of all students.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL SITE BASED IMPROVEMENT

• Parents and educators work together to help all children achieve success.
  
  
• Two-way communication is emphasized.
  
  
• Problem solving is routine.
  
  
• The school builds on families & strengths.
  
  
• High standards, clear accountabilities, focused, manageable goals, and innovation all help improve student achievement.
  
  
• Adults learn how to create a professional community where they work well together, communicate effectively, conduct research based inquiry, and apply their learning to improve student achievement.
  
  
• Student achievement improves more than it would without site based improvement.
  
  
• Schools work in partnership with each other and with central offices.
  
  
• Respect, understanding, and trust develops throughout the school.
  
  
• Rethinking the entire school is required.
  

The Partnership Model in the District.

In addition to the characteristics for schools:


• Offices work together and integrate their efforts.
  
  
• All offices regularly ask, "Who are the stakeholders for this decision?"; "Who will be affected by the decision, who will implement it, and who has related expertise?" And they ask, "How can we gather those stakeholders' input?" They know that answering these questions will improve the success and support for their decisions.