A study of the processes of decision -making around instruction in the school districts of San Diego County

The problem. The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the processes used in San Diego County school districts when making decisions that have an impact on instruction.;Method. A survey was conducted with participants drawn from the administrators in San Diego County school districts with a student population of fewer than 50,000. Further data was obtained through written responses to three questions in the survey and face-to-face interviews with select survey respondents.;Results. Analysis of the data indicated that there are multiple processes by which school district administrators in San Diego County schools make decisions around instruction. No single consistent process emerged from the data either within or between school districts. Areas of consistency were reported, primarily around testing and accountability, as required by State and federal legislation.