Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You send out letters and memos saying the new curriculum will be
implemented in the fall.
This will cost less than $500 (for postage, stationery and secretarial
time). The curriculum will be implemented very quickly.
You think to yourself, "This way is so much faster, cheaper and more efficient."
However, the problems never end.
You discover that a parent group has formed. It is lobbying
the local government to put a stop to the new curriculum. Some are requesting
that you be fired. Others are writing letters to the local newspaper complaining
about you.
Some of the teachers are resisting the new methods. Some have filed union
grievances in protest. Others are taking stress leave. You suspect that still
others are deliberately doing a poor job of teaching the new curriculum so
it will look bad for you. In general, morale is very low.
The students are suffering because of all these problems. You know they
are not getting as good an education as they should.
You don't know what to do to change things. You wish that you had
taken the other route.
"Implementing a curriculum isn't just sending out notices," says Bruce
Beairsto. He is an associate superintendent. "There are many opposing viewpoints
and it is an emotional issue for many. You must always allow for healthy dialog
and interaction."