Essential Policy Areas
Student-Related Policies
- Attendance and tardiness – Reporting procedures, interventions
- Grading and assessment – Grade book requirements, late work policies
- Discipline and behavior – Referral processes, progressive discipline
- Special needs – IEP/504 procedures, accommodations
- Health and safety – Medical emergencies, accident reporting
Staff-Related Policies
- Professional conduct – Appropriate relationships, social media guidelines
- Reporting requirements – Mandated reporting, documentation
- Leave policies – Sick time, personal days, family leave
- Evaluation procedures – Observation cycles, goal setting
- Technology use – Acceptable use, privacy, security
Parent and Community Policies
- Communication expectations – Response times, appropriate channels
- Volunteer requirements – Background checks, supervision
- Field trip procedures – Permission forms, supervision ratios
- Fundraising guidelines – Approved activities, financial procedures
Policy Navigation Strategies
Where to Find Information
- Employee handbook – Keep physical or digital copy accessible
- School website – Often has parent-facing policy summaries
- Department heads – Subject-specific procedures and expectations
- Mentors – Practical interpretation of policies
- Union representatives – Rights and protections
When You Don’t Understand a Policy
- Ask your mentor or department head first
- Request clarification from administration
- Check with union representative if it affects working conditions
- Document your understanding in writing
- Follow up if policies seem contradictory
Policy Implementation Tips
- Start conservative – Follow policies strictly until you understand flexibility
- Document compliance – Keep records of policy adherence
- Ask before innovating – Check if your ideas align with policies
- Communicate changes – Let parents know about policy-driven decisions
- Stay updated – Policies change, so check for updates regularly
Documentation Best Practices
What to Document:
- Student behavior incidents – Date, time, witnesses, actions taken
- Parent communications – Phone calls, emails, meetings
- Academic concerns – Interventions tried, student responses
- Administrative requests – Directives given, compliance efforts
- Professional development – Attendance, certificates, applications
Documentation Guidelines:
- Be factual – Avoid opinions or emotional language
- Be specific – Include dates, times, people involved
- Be professional – Write as if others will read it
- Be timely – Document soon after incidents
- Be organized – Use consistent filing system
Sample Documentation Format:
Date: ____________
Student/Situation: ____________
People Involved: ____________
What Happened: ____________
Actions Taken: ____________
Follow-up Needed: ____________
