ABSTRACT

It is functional in the sense that the people in the team will be united by sets of common purposes and processes. The team members will have as their major concern the education of the children in their care or, at least, a specific aspect of that education. This concern will result, for the effective team, in the determination of clear and attainable priorities, the appropriate allocation of responsibilities

and the measurement of progress towards achievements which are derived from those priorities. The staff team is developmental because it provides a framework within which the professional growth of each of its members may take place. Such professional development may enable a colleague to contribute more to the work of the team or it may provide the foundation for a change of professional direction.