This text examines the everyday political behaviour of elementary school teachers when working together to implement improvement policy and curriculum decisions. It shows how the choices teachers make effect the succes or failure of reform initiatives.

In this unique new volume, Carol Reed chronicles, analyzes, and explains the everyday political behavior of teachers. She provides a vivid portrayal of how teachers interact and negotiate when faced with new policies and curricula designed to improve their schools. As she skillfully illustrates the role that politics plays in communities of educators, Reed delves into the choices teachers make and how these affect the success and failure of reform initiatives. In addition, she draws from her rich experience and involvement as a teacher, administrator, and researcher to highlight the pressing issues surrounding shared decision-making. The result is a volume that sheds light on the many sides of teacher power. It is a must-read for teachers and administrators interested in working collaboratively to achieve meaningful change in schools.