Introduction
Schools have policies for several reasons. Policies establish rules and regulations to guide acceptable behaviour and ensure that the school environment is safe for students, teachers and school staff. School policies also help create a productive learning environment.
Rules and Regulations
In order for rules and regulations to be in place and enforced, policies are created. Having these policies in place means there are determined procedures for how school operations are handled, down to every minute detail, so that educators, staff and students know what is expected and can act accordingly. This saves time, prevents confusion and unifies the school.
Safe Learning Environments
Students, teachers and staff members deserve to feel physically and psychologically secure in their environment. In order to create this environment, policies are created and instated that establish safety standards for the physical environment and mental state of students and staff. This is done by creating policies such as schoolhouse behaviour, anti bullying policies and mental health guidelines.
Setting Goals and Establishing Productivity
In order for an institution to encourage higher learning, policies must be in place that establish goals as set forth by the school board. These policies establish standards and help hold schools and educators accountable to the public. This is important for relating education to the community and making it responsible to the larger world. Accountability through the use of goal-oriented policies ensures that students are receiving a valuable education.
Policies are important because they help a school establish rules and procedures and create standards of quality for learning and safety, as well as expectations and accountability. Without these, schools would lack the structure and function necessary to provide the educational needs of students. Ultimately, policies are necessary to the success and safety of a school.
*School handbook link button*