Policies and Procedures Oh My!

Policies and ProceduresOh My! Dr. Jeff Allen & Christine Holecek Business & Marketing Conference July 25-29, 2005

General Policies and Procedures As a teacher new to a district, you will have a number of questions concerning both district and campus procedures. These questions are intended to help you ask and record answers to these questions. There will be many people at your school who will provide answers; however one of the best places to start is with you campus instructional specialist; assistant principal or principal.

Questions you need to have answered What are the mission and goals of this building and school district? What is the teacher dress code? What are the procedures for lunch time? What are the policies for collecting money from students? How do I report a maintenance problem? What are the policies when I need to leave my classroom? What are the procedures for using the library? Where do I get office/classroom supplies?

What am I expected to provide for my classroom? What are the procedures for having materials copied? Who is in charge of maintaining the copier (paper, toner, jams)? What is the policy concerning leaving campus during the day? What is the field trip policy? What is the procedure for referring a student who seems to have a learning problem? Where do I park? Does my car need a special sticker? Is there a map of the building? May I take coffee or soft drinks to my room? Is there a faculty restroom? Where is it located? Where am I expected to be during my conference period? What duties will I have outside my classroom?

Where will I find the emergency procedures for the building? Where do the students go in the morning before school starts? Do I need to meet students at a particular location? I there a homework policy? When and what type of progress reports do I send home? What are the confidentiality procedures? Who are the CDMC members and when do they meet?

Textbook Questions How do I obtain teacher editions, curriculum guides, and software correlated to the textbooks? Will the textbooks be in my room or do I have to ask someone for them? What is the textbook accountability system? Is there a school policy regarding the use of workbooks? What do I do if a student loses a textbook or does not return it?

GradeBook Questions Is our grade book online? Who will provide instructions and train me on the software? Do I need to keep a paper copy of my grade book? Is the attendance on line? Who will provide instructions and train me on the software? Do I need to keep a hard copy of my attendance?

Parent Teacher Communication How and when do I inform parent’s regarding their child’s performance? What is my responsibility for conferencing with parents? What are the policies and procedures for using regularly-scheduled, written communication with parents? What are the procedures for sending report cards and progress reports? What is the volunteer policy for the district/campus?

Student Records Where do I obtain students’ records that will give me a better understanding of my students? Under what conditions may students be allowed to leave school during the school day? What is expected of students regarding permits to class, hall passes, tardy permits, etc.

Teacher Attendance Policy Whom do I call if I must be absent? At what time does my work day begin and end? What are the sign-in and sign-out procedures? What forms do I complete when I am absent, late or leaving early?

Classroom Management and Evaluation Procedures How and when are teachers evaluated? What are the expectations for my classroom management? What are the school procedures for handling discipline problems? Where do I find the Student Code of Conduct Handbook? What are the homework and testing policies?

For More Information Dr. Jeff Allen jeff_allen@unt.edu Christine Holecek cholecek@wacoisd.org “Read your district handbook”

Policies and Procedures Oh My!