Traut Core Knowledge School
Decision-Making Matrix
Revised
11/07/2002
Purpose
The
purpose of the TCKS Decision-Making Matrix is to meticulously define the
role of each member of the TCKS community with regard to decisions and
policies of the school. The final authority for the contents and
interpretation of the matrix resides with the Site Based Management Council
(SBMC). Each decision area is specified with respect to the following
categories:
·
Decision-Maker: Who Should Decide -- which person or
group has the final say in a decision area and is ultimately accountable for
the decision.
·
Sponsor: Who Should Recommend -- which person or group
will be responsible for recommending a solution.
·
Key Stakeholders: Solicit Input From -- which person or
group will be contacted in order to obtain an opinion or information prior
to the decision being made. Inputs are always welcome from anybody, but
some need to have their input solicited.
·
Stakeholders: Who Will Be Informed -- which person or
group will be informed of the decision once it is made. The decision-maker
is responsible for informing the proper people.
·
Decision-Making Process: which of the five possible
decision-making processes will be followed.
Principles
The following principles should guide the ongoing usage
of the Decision-Making Matrix:
·
The DMM is a working document, which means it can be refined
as needed by the SBMC based on common sense and past experience.
·
The DMM is a means to provide checks and balances within the
school leadership so that decisions are made in a fair partnership.
·
The DMM provides for an efficient division of responsibilities
within the school.
·
The DMM provides opportunity for input from those who are
affected by a decision.
·
The DMM is intended to provide adequate decision making steps
for each type of decision, allocating more time and process steps for more
complex issues to insure the decision making process is thorough and
complete.
·
The SBMC should not be doing the work that could more
efficiently be delegated to a smaller group.
The
Decision-Making Matrix specifies the process for many TCKS decisions;
however, it is not and cannot be complete in specifying all decisions that
will arise. For decisions not specified in the DMM, a judgment call should
be made based on the intent and philosophy recorded in the Covenant, Charter
and DMM. If the decision goes to the SBMC, the SBMC Navigation Team
(TAB/PAB presidents and vice presidents, and principal) will recommend the
process to be used.
Summary of the Roles of Various Persons
and Groups
SBMC
The Site-Based Management Council is the primary
policy-making body in TCKS. It is this group that sets the school's goals
and improvement strategies, and makes all major site policies. Any
authority not mandated by statute or State or District policy either resides
with the SBMC or is delegated by the SBMC. In cases of controversy, the
SBMC may choose to retain decision-making authority from the groups to whom
authority has been delegated. The SBMC consists of the Parent Advisory Board
(PAB) and the Teacher Advisory Board (TAB).
PAB
The PAB consists of seven parents elected by the parent
community. Its primary function is being half of the SBMC, but it also has
a special role in mentoring and evaluating the principal. Members of the
PAB are to serve as advocates for the parents in disputes with staff
members.
TAB
The TAB consists of six teachers plus the principal.
Like the PAB, its primary function is as part of the SBMC. The TAB has a
unique role in classroom scheduling and planning In-Service and teacher
planning days.
Administration (Principal)
The principal is responsible for the day-to-day
operation of the school and has the final say in matters of personnel hiring
and evaluations, in accordance with PSD policy. The principal works with
the faculty on the utilization of textbooks and classroom materials.
Teachers
Teachers decide how to use textbooks and classroom
supplies, elect the TAB, and are represented on various committees.
Faculty (all school staff)
The staff decides teaching strategies, their own
classroom organization, and have input into all major policy decisions.
Parents
Parents elect the PAB, are represented on committees,
and have input into all major policy decisions.
Committees
The various committees in the school are responsible
for making the final recommendation on their relevant policies or personnel
items.
|
Area
|
Decision Maker:
Who Should Decide
(who is accountable) |
Sponsor:
Who Should Recommend |
Key Stakeholders:
Solicit input from |
Stakeholders: Who
will be informed |
Decision Making Process |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.
Revisions to Decision-Making Matrix |
SBMC |
SBMC |
SBMC
(with
appropriate input) |
All
(copy to
committees) |
4 |
|
2.
Determine, Assess and Evaluate School Improvement Plan (School
Goals: State mandated & our own) |
SBMC |
SAAC |
All
Committees via SAAC mtg. |
All |
4 |
|
3.
Strategies to achieve above goals
|
SBMC |
SAAC |
All
Committees via SAAC mtg. |
All |
3 |
|
4.
Standing Committee Structure (mission, vision, goals and
reporting, responsibilities) |
SBMC |
Committees themselves |
P, F, S |
All |
4 |
Curriculum and Instruction
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.
Align Academic Standards (State and PSD) with Core Knowledge
Curriculum as taught at TCKS |
T, A |
T, C
(Curriculum) |
PSD, CDE |
PSD, T, C
(Assessment) |
2B |
|
6.
Adoption of revisions to the TCKS Scope and Sequence |
SBMC |
C
(Curriculum) |
CKF, T,
A, P, PSD (CK Schools) |
All (P
via Curriculum Maps) |
3 |
|
7.
Sequential, Skills-Based Instructional Program
(Standardized program of instruction
characterized by both the sequential, skills-based nature of information
being presented and some degree of standardization of instructional
approach. May include classroom sets of textbooks, computer software
and/or other instructional materials. Examples: Open Court Phonics,
Harcourt Brace Math) |
SBMC |
C
(Curriculum) |
T, P, A,
PSD, CKF |
All |
4 |
|
8.
Textbook Selection (Books used by
students as a primary standard work for a particular branch of study.
The need for standardization may arise because of the complex nature of
facts and concepts being presented, and/or because of the need to align
materials with CO State Standards. Examples: science texts, world and
American history texts. In addition, any change in written materials
previously approved by the SBMC. Example: Human Growth & Development) |
SBMC |
C
(Curriculum) |
T, A,
PSD, P, CKF |
All |
3 |
|
9.
Instructional Software (Software
used by students as the primary tool for instruction.) |
SBMC |
C
(Technology or Curriculum) |
F, PSD,
P, CKF |
All |
3 |
|
10.
Supplemental Materials
(Instructional materials used to enhance the presentation of knowledge
or information. Examples: lab materials, manipulatives, audio-visual
materials, music, art work, trade books, software) |
F, A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
1 |
|
11.
Core Knowledge Literature Selections
(Specific versions of a particular title
to be used within a grade level or classroom) |
F, A |
N/A |
C
(Curriculum) as appropriate |
N/A |
1 - 2B |
|
12.
Use of selected texts and instructional software |
F, A |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
1 |
|
13.
Computing Equipment, Implementation Strategy and Selection |
SBMC |
C
(Technology) |
PSD, F, P |
All |
4 |
|
14.
Equipment and Supplies Selection and Storage (location,
accessibility and use) |
F, A |
n/a |
F |
F |
2B |
|
15.
Classroom Organization, Scheduling, Lesson Planning, and
Classroom Management |
F, A |
n/a |
n/a |
P, S |
1 |
|
16.
Schedule for Specials (i.e. Art, Music, Library, P.E., etc.) |
TAB |
Specials
teachers |
F |
F |
4 |
|
17.
Departmentalization and Team Teaching |
A, GL |
A, GL |
F, P |
All |
1 |
|
18.
Handling of missing assignments |
F |
n/a |
n/a |
P, S |
1 |
|
19.
Student Placement and Transfer Policy |
SBMC |
TAB |
A, T, P |
All |
Policy |
Personnel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.
Staffing Allocation and Utilization (Certified and Classified) |
SBMC |
A |
F, PAB,
Treasurers |
All |
4 |
|
21.
Administration Hiring |
PSD |
C
(Selection - per charter) |
Appropriate references |
All |
See
charter |
|
22.
TCKS Faculty Hiring (Certified and Classified) |
A |
C
(Hiring) |
Appropriate references |
All |
2A |
|
23.
Classified Staffing Hired by PSD (e.g., Food Service, custodial
staff) |
PSD |
A |
Appropriate references |
All |
2A |
|
24.
Administration Job Description and Responsibilities |
PSD |
PAB |
F, P |
All |
2B |
|
25.
Administration Evaluation |
PSD |
PAB |
F, P |
A |
2B |
|
26.
Certified Job Description and Responsibilities |
A |
n/a |
F, PSD |
T |
2B |
|
27.
Certified Evaluation |
A |
n/a |
F, P, S,
PSD |
Individual |
2B |
|
28.
Classified Job Description and Responsibilities |
A |
n/a |
F, PSD |
F |
2B |
|
29.
Classified Evaluation |
A |
n/a |
F, P, S,
PSD |
Individual |
2B |
Staff Development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30.
Initial and Ongoing Education of the School Philosophy |
SBMC |
TAB |
PAB, F |
F |
4 |
|
31.
Utilization of In-Service days (i.e. what is done on scheduled
days) |
TAB |
A |
F, C (as
needed) |
All |
3 |
|
32.
TCKS Mentoring Program Structure |
TAB |
A |
F, PAB |
F, PAB |
3 |
|
33.
Professional Conferences paid for by TCKS |
A |
n/a |
F |
F |
2B |
|
34.
Individual Corrective Action Plan |
A |
n/a |
Selected
individuals as appropriate (confidentially) |
Individual |
1 - 2B |
|
35.
Professional Development Goals and Plans |
T, A |
n/a |
T, CDE,
PSD |
Individual |
2B |
|
36.
Teacher Planning days guidelines |
TAB |
n/a |
T, A |
T |
2B |
Communication
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37.
Report Card Format |
SBMC |
C
(Assessment) |
F, P |
All |
4 |
|
38.
Grading Policy |
SBMC |
C
(Assessment) |
F, P |
All |
Policy |
|
39.
Behavioral Standards Policy (Door to Door Code of Conduct)
|
SBMC |
C (
Character Education) |
F, P, S |
All |
Policy |
|
40.
TCKS School Sponsored Events (e.g., social events, meetings,
clubs) |
A, (SBMC
as appropriate) |
F, P or S |
All (as
appropriate) |
All |
1-4 |
|
41.
Process for Scheduling Formal Parent/Teacher Conferences |
TAB |
n/a |
PAB, F,
PSD |
All |
2B |
|
42.
School-wide requirements (i.e. Science Fair, ECO trip) |
SBMC |
C(appropriate) |
F, P |
All |
4 |
|
43.
Study Hall Policy |
SBMC |
A |
T, PAB |
All |
Policy |
|
44.
TCKS Communication Policy. (e.g., Friday notes content,
brochures, press releases, parent education, advertisements) |
SBMC |
C
(Communica-tions) |
All |
All |
Policy |
|
45.
Curriculum Maps |
A, T
(Grade Level Teams & Specials) |
n/a |
F (as
impacted) |
S/P
(grade level), A, Specials Teachers |
2B |
Fiscal Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46.
Annual school-wide budget |
SBMC |
C
(Budget) |
F, PAB |
All |
4 |
|
47.
Classroom Budget Policy (e.g. appropriate use of funds) |
SBMC |
TAB |
F, A, PAB |
All |
Policy |
|
48.
Facilities planning & capital improvements |
SBMC |
C
(Facilities) |
F, PAB,
PSD |
All |
4 |
|
49.
Fund Raising policy |
SBMC |
C (Fund
Raising) |
PAB, SC,
F |
All |
Policy |
|
50.
Grant writing policy |
SBMC |
C
(Grants) |
SBMC, F,
P |
All |
Policy |
|
51.
Parent contribution policy (i.e. money requests for field trips,
class activities, etc.) |
SBMC |
PAB |
F, P |
All |
Policy |
|
52.
Fiscal Policy (for income and expenses) |
SBMC |
C
(Budget) |
F, SC, P |
All |
Policy |
Assessment and Evaluation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53.
Formal Assessment Plan (includes CO mandated tests, PSD tests and
TCKS specific tests) |
SBMC |
C
(Assessment) |
T, A,
PSD, CDE, C(as impacted) |
All |
3 |
|
54.
Classroom Assessments (e.g., tests, quizzes, math fact
challenges, etc.) |
T |
n/a |
n/a |
P, S |
1 |
Record Keeping
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55.
Inventory of Supplies and Equipment (by classroom) |
A |
n/a |
n/a |
F, PSD |
1 |
|
56.
Academic (e.g. cumulative folders, yearly grade books, etc.) |
T, A |
n/a |
n/a |
A, PSD |
1 |
|
57.
Behavioral (i.e. documentation of behavior code offenses) (see
also # REF _Ref506535330 \r \h \* MERGEFORMAT 39) |
T, A |
n/a |
n/a |
P, S, F |
1 |
|
58.
Agendas for Staff Meetings |
A, TAB
President |
n/a |
F |
F |
2B |
School Culture
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59.
Professional conferences for parents paid for by school (e.g. CK
conference, etc.) |
SBMC |
A |
PAB |
Individual |
3 |
|
60.
Student Attendance Policy / Procedure (absences, tardiness, make
up policies) |
SBMC |
A |
P, PSD |
All |
Policy |
|
61.
Field Trip Policy (including funding, types and approval) |
SBMC |
TAB |
F, PAB,
PSD |
All |
Policy |
|
62.
Assembly Guidelines |
TAB |
A |
F, SC, C
(appropriate) |
All |
3 |
|
63.
Classroom Location |
TAB |
n/a |
C
(Facilities), F |
F |
2B |
|
64.
Student Reward and Recognition Policy |
SBMC |
C
(Character Education) |
SC, F, P |
All |
Policy |
|
65.
Teacher Reward and Recognition Policy |
SBMC |
TAB |
F, P |
All |
Policy |
|
66.
Partnership Behavioral Standards (Hand-in-Hand Guidebook) |
SBMC |
C
(Character Education) |
F, P |
All |
3 |
|
67.
Student Safety & Security Plan |
SBMC |
C (Crisis
Response Team) |
F, PSD,
Professionals in the Field |
All |
4 |
|
68.
Lunchroom & Recess Scheduling |
TAB |
n/a |
F |
F |
2B |