1.

2 – Decision Making in Educational Systems

2.2.7 -- Identify how decisions are made in education systems.

Decision making in educational systems can be complex, but it is important to understand

how decisions are made and who makes them. These decisions impact a student’s experience in

how they learn and what they are learning. Decisions in educational systems are made on many

levels. Large decisions start with lawmakers who create laws that guarantee students access to

public education and smaller decisions are made by the schools and teachers themselves.

The local school board is the public administration of their own districts. The school

board discusses new elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools being built. I have

attached an example of how board meetings typically go. The meeting took place on September

24th at 6:00 pm. Every board meeting provides a video, agenda, and minutes. In the meeting, the

school board discusses many things including transportation for the students. The board went on

to say that if the levy didn't pass, sports teams wouldn't have transportation to away games or to

other school events. Link (Evidence 1.2.1)

The president is the head of the board for each school district. The superintendent calls

for school cancellation such as weather delays. They are hired by the board of education and

work with them to make district decisions. The president hires, supervises, and manages the

central staff and principals. Link (Evidence 1.2.2). All staff and teachers need to be approved by

the board and principal.

In the United States, one example of a law that impacts education would be the “No

Child Left Behind Act”. This act was the main law for K-12 general education in the United

States which happened from 2002-2015. This law was to ensure equal access to education for all

students, regardless of income, ability, or color. Link (Evidence 1.2.3) A positive of the NCLB is
that all children are counted for and the schools are responsible for implementing this. On the

other hand, the federal government faults the curriculum and the school itself for student failure,

but many critics claim other factors are contributing to student failures, such as old school

buildings, homelessness, class size, hunger, and lack of healthcare.

Another act that has impacted the United States is the Title IX Act. This law ensures that

students have equal access to opportunities regardless of their gender. Also, this was designed to

enforce equal access and equality. It has closed the education gap in our country between women

and men and girls and boys. Also, it protects all students from gender-based harassment and

violence and it helps support both co-education and single-gender students at the college level.

Title IX is just as relevant today as it was in 1972 because it continues to bring us closer to

achieve gender equality not just in sports but in all education. Link (Evidence1.2.4)

Schools have been impacted in the U.S. because of the decisions that are made daily or in

past events. The government is still making decisions so schools can continue to be enjoyable

and run smoothly. Educational decisions are mainly made by the state governments and local

school district/school boards. The federal government's role is mainly to support states and local

governments. Each state has a board of education that oversees education and helps support local

school districts. It is important to understand how decisions are made and to give feedback to

those making the decisions. Educators, parents, and other community members can be very

helpful in providing that feedback.