School Policies
School Policy
► The term policy refers to a set of principles, guild, and rules that guide decision-making and
action w/in a particular organization, institution, or government.
► Various scholars, policymakers, and experts in diff fields have contributed to the understanding
and development of policies over the years.
► A school policy is a set of rules, regulations, and guidelines that are formulated and enforced by
the educational institution’s administration or governing body
► These policies are designed to establish a framework for the operation and management of the
school, ensuring the safety, well-being, and effective functioning of the institution
► School policies encompass a wide range of areas, including academic matters, student conduct,
staff procedures, safety protocols, and more.
Significance of School Policy
► School policies are essential for maintaining order, safety, and accountability within the
educational env.
► They serve as a reference for students, parents, teachers, and staff to understand the expectations
and standards set by the school, and they provide a basis for resolving disputes and ensuring that
the school’s mission and goals are achieved.
► School policies play a crucial role in shaping a positive school culture by providing a framework
and guidelines that promote safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment. Here are some
ways in w/c school policies contribute to a positive school culture:
- safety and well-being
- respect and dignity
- academic expectations
- communication and transparency
- participation and engagement
- accountability
► school policies are the backbone of a positive sch cult
► provide a structured framework that ensures fairness, safety, and inclusivity while aligning w/ the
school’s values and mission
► when these policies are consistently applied and communicated, they contribute to a culture
where students and staff feel valued, respected, and motivated to excel.
Essential steps in creating school policies
► creating school policies is a complex process that involves careful consideration and
collaboration among various stakeholders.
► Policy creation process should be collaborative, transparent, and adaptable.
► It should reflect the values and goals of the school and address the specific need of the
community it serves
► Involving relevant experts and seeking legal counsel is often advisable to ensure that the policy is
legally sound and effectively addresses the issue it aims to resolve.
1. Identify the Need for a Policy
- determine the specific issue or area that requires a policy. This might result from changes in
legislation, emerging challenges, or the need to clarify existing practices.
2. Research and Data Gathering
- collect relevant data, research, and best practices related to the issue at hand. This information
provides a solid foundation for policy development
3. Stakeholder Consultation
- Share the draft policy with the school community, including staff, parents, and, where
appropriate, students. Gather feed
4. Board Approval
- Present the policy to the school board or governing body for review and approval. The board
should have a clear understanding of the policy’s purpose and implications.
5. Implementation Plan
- Develop a plan for implementing the policy. This plan should outline responsibilities,
timelines, and any necessary training or communication strategies.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Establish a system for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the policy’s effectiveness. This
may involve collecting data, conducting surveys, and seeking feedback.
Typology of school policies
► It’s important to note that specific policies a school implements will vary based on its mission,
location, legal requirements, and the unique needs of its student body and community. The
typology of school policies can evolve over time to address emerging issues and changing
educational landscapes.
1. Administrative Policies
2. Academic Policies
3. Student Conduct and Discipline Policies
4. Health and Safety Policies
5. Parent and Community Engagement Policies
6. Emergency Response and Crisis Management Policies
