Establishing instructional priorities in public schools is a worthwhile and important process. Because time and money are insufficient to increase staffing in schools, setting priorities is a necessary component of successful managing. Steps to be taken in setting instructional priorities are as follows: (1) Adopt a statement of mission describing the reason the school exists and a rationale for the district's goals. (2) Adopt a statement of beliefs about student learners. Staff and community should carefully consider the competing philosophies and arrive at a consensus view. (3) Adopt a set of beliefs about the role of parents and school-home cooperation. (4) Adopt a set of general objectives describing what students should accomplish in school. (5) Rank the general objectives in order of priority. This allows resources to be allocated in accordance with what is most important. (6) Have curriculum committies develop statements of belief for each subject area before purchasing materials. By this process, a district can effectively establish instructional priorities. (WTH)