What is Policy?

1. What is Policy? Julie M. Slavens 2013 ISBA Winter Academy

2. Dictionary Definition • POLICY: A definite course of action or method of action to guide and determine present and future decisions... • School board policies are guidelines to chart a course of action. They tell what is wanted and may include why and howmuch. They should be broad enough to admit discretionary action by the administration in meeting day to day problems and yet specific enough to give clear guidance.

3. Another Definition • Gives instruction and direction from the Board to school administration and staff • Signals how the organization will be administered and operated

4. NSBA Definitions • Policies are "guidelines adopted by the board to chart a course of action that tell what is wanted and may also include why and how much. These should be broad enough to admit discretionary action by the administration in meeting day-to-day problems, yet be specific enough to give clear guidance." • Regulations are "detailed directions developed by the administration to put policy into practice. These tell how, by whom, where, and when things are to be done."

5. Clues to Policy Statements • Does it communicate the expectations of the board? • Does it give directions to the superintendent? • Does it inform the public of the board's intent? • Does it tell the superintendent how to do it?

6. Clues to Regulations/procedures • Does the statement - establish the mechanics for implementing policy? - list the steps to be followed? - contain the important detail? - list the do's, and don’ts? • Allows the superintendent to change it.

7. Policy Development • By developing policy, the Board defines parameters for those who deal with a given issue. • For example, the board develops a yearly budget for the corporation. During the year the board regularly refers to the budget which sets the fiscal limits for what can or cannot be done. • Policy is much the same. The board develops policy as a ready reference to make good decisions about issues that arise. • Policies should be working documents. Like the budget, they should provide a plan for what can and cannot be done, spelled out and available to all.

8. Factors That Shape Policy • State statutes and regulations • Federal laws and regulations • Judicial decisions • Local considerations • The amount of authority the board wants to delegate to the superintendent

9. Legal Foundation and Hierarchy of Board Policy • U.S. Constitution • Congress • Federal Agencies • State Constitution • State Legislature • State Agencies • School Boards • State law gives school corporations their authority to adopt and enforce board policy.

10. Board Authority • For example, Indiana Code 20-26-5-4(18) states: • To prepare, make, enforce, amend, or repeal rules, regulations, and procedures for the government and management of the schools, property, facilities, and activities of the school corporation, its agents, employees, and pupils and for the operation of its governing body…

11. Board Authority • There are also times when boards have specific authority. In some instances, these are also considered mandates. For example, Indiana Code 20-8.1-3-17.2 states: • Each governing body shall establish and include as part of the written copy of its discipline rules ... a definition of a child who is designated as a habitual truant …

12. Policy Is Power 1. Only the school board can establish policy. 2. Through policy, the board provides a framework for cooperation, fixes responsibilities, delineates authority, and provides for accountability. 3. Board maintains local control through its policies.

13. Policy As a Leadership Tool • Policy should reflect the philosophy and intentions of the school board and provide direction to staff members to ensure a quality educational program.

14. Policy As a Leadership Tool • Policy is not detailed direction for operating a school corporation or running a particular program.

15. Policy Functions Board policies: • Carry the weight of law and establish a legal record • Must be current and effective • Must be constantly monitored for accuracy and effectiveness

16. Other Policy Functions Board Policies • Must be communicated and distributed. • Should be easily accessible and conveniently located.

17. Written Policy Provides: • Credibility of board action • Consistency, fairness, and a basis for accountability • A means to improve the school corporation and student learning • Clarifies board and administrative functions • Transitional aid to new board members and staff

18. Clear and Concise • Use common language whenever possible. • It's not a novel; Keep it short and simple. • Don't use a paragraph where a sentence is sufficient . • Good policy is when: " 10 people independently reading the policy or regulation will come to the same conclusion consistent with its intended meaning."

19. Policy Cycle • 1. Identify a need • 2. Direct a policy analysis • 3. Require policy options - Costs in dollars - Staff - Rules, regulations and guidelines • 4. Review policy draft

20. Policy Cycle • 5. Take action -Rewrite,reject,adopt • 6. Implement and monitor • 7. Review and evaluate • 8. Revise or remove as needed

21. Policies for Administrators Administrators should be involved in developing the following policies: • Student Discipline Rules • Student Attendance • Directory Information (FERPA) • Locker Searches/Search policies • Homework • Retention/Redshirting • Transfer of Students • Random Drug Testing of Students in ECAs • Other related topics as assigned by the board