Changing Policies in Schools

What do we mean by changing policies in schools? Changing policy generally means convincing the School Committee, which is usually in charge of setting policy, to change or eliminate an existing policy or to institute a new policy in order to benefit students and/or the community.

Why should you work to change policies in schools? To improve students’ (and others’) health. To improve education. To meet the needs of particular groups. To improve classroom and school climate and culture. To protect students and staff from harm. To safeguard students’ rights. To respond to a perceived community need.

When should you try to change policies in schools? Before the beginning of a new school year. When there’s an obvious need. When a situation comes to light that makes a need obvious. When the School Committee or staff members do something that seems to contradict good educational policy. When there’s a clear threat to students’ or staff members’ health, safety, etc. When students’, parents’, or teachers’ basic rights are threatened.

Who should be involved in changing policies in schools? Students Parents The School Committee The superintendent Other school administrators Teachers Particular groups affected by the proposed change Groups interested in the issue addressed by the proposed change Concerned citizens

How do you change policies in schools? Identify and marshal your support. Develop a strategy through a participatory process. Learn about current policy. Know the issue inside out. Research the alternatives. Prepare a solid rationale for policy change. Learn about the structure of the school system and the personalities of those within it. Identify your allies and opponents, both inside and outside the school system.

How do you change policies in schools? Decide whether policy change is what’s really needed. Draft the policy you want. Start your discussions at the lowest responsible level in the school hierarchy. Get your group on the School Committee agenda. Present the proposed policy change at a School Committee meeting.

How do you change policies in schools? If the change is rejected, you can: Regroup and try again, or continue discussion with the School Committee. Conduct a social action campaign to defeat or recall current School Committee members, or to convince them to change their minds on policy. Once the change is accepted, use your organization to maintain it, and to tackle the next issue.