The Art of Decision Making: Analysis of a Consolidation QuestionDecision making for educational leaders is an essential element in leading a school district or individual school toward a culture of harmony . Our schools today have a diverse student population from various socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and intellectual levels (Sugai, 2012). Regardless of their background, the goal of schools today is to provide an appropriate education to all who attend them and to create a culture of learning so that every student graduates to be a participating person in society. A specific challenge for teachers today is to be able to meet the educational needs of each student, regardless of their level of intelligence. One solution that has been proposed, and in some cases implemented, is the cluster structure. Grouping involves placing students with the same academic achievement together in a class to create a constant flow of learning (Aydin, 2005). By grouping learners with similar intellect together, teachers can teach at a higher level and without interruptions due to students who may not be as gifted. In the following essay, we will examine what type of decision-making theory an elementary school principle might follow when approached by a group of parents asking if he would implement a grouping strategy in the framework of current school district policies and procedures. Case Study Scenario 9, Chapter 6, presented in Greens, Practicing the Art of Leadership, will be used as an example using the Atlanta Area Public Schools Policy and Procedure Manual to define how the principle should proceed in the consolidation offer. in his school. ConcernMr. Robert Miller, Springview's new principle E...... middle of paper ......effective form to increase students' intellect (Puzio, 2010). While many school districts have a general statement regarding meeting the educational needs of each student, it is important that the leader of each school listen to the needs of parents with an open mind, be quick to listen and methodical in responding. In Mr. Miller's current case, he listened to parents' concerns about their children, put together a small and effective working group, modified according to current policy to meet ISLLC standards. Additionally, not all suggestions from parents and teachers are necessarily aimed at student success. Therefore, it is imperative that each school's educational leader develops a decision-making philosophy, as this creates a response expectation that each request will be treated with respect and given appropriate consideration..