The federal government does not directly create school policies, but it does influence them through laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). These laws set standards for public schools and provide funding for educational programs.
State Laws and Regulations
State governments have more direct control over schools, and they typically set standards for curriculum, testing, and teacher qualifications. State laws and regulations often provide the framework for school policies. For example, a state law might require schools to provide a certain number of hours of instruction in math and science each week.
Local School Boards
Local school boards are responsible for creating policies that govern their schools. These policies cover a wide range of topics, including curriculum, student discipline, and extracurricular activities. School boards typically develop policies in consultation with the superintendent of schools and other administrators.
School Administrative Staff
The superintendent of schools and other administrators have the authority to create policies that implement the policies of the school board. These policies may cover topics such as student grading, teacher evaluations, and school safety.
Parents and Community Members
Parents and community members can also influence school policies. They can do this by attending school board meetings, writing letters to elected officials, and volunteering in schools.
The process of creating school policies can be complex and time-consuming, but it is important to ensure that policies are fair and effective. By involving all stakeholders in the process, schools can create policies that support student learning and success.