Teaching, Bearing the Torch 2/e   Pamela J. Farris
	Table of Contents

Chapter 9 Summary: The Administration and Governance of Schools

Schools are decentralized and run by locally selected school boards. The role of the school board is to set policies to protect the educational needs and welfare of students. The superintendent of a school district must comply with laws and guidelines established by the local board of education, the state legislature, Congress, and state and federal court rulings. Although state court rulings may influence local education, only federal rulings affect all schools.

The role of principals has changed in recent decades from disciplinarian to instructional leader. Teacher empowerment movements give teachers more voice and parity in decision-making processes involving curriculum and school governance.