Policy

Although I did not get to view the PowerPoint, the audio recording did work. It was very interesting to hear the guest speaker talk about the different factors and aspects of policies. While I knew that the federal government controls funding, I did not make the connection between policies and the federal government not being able to do anything about them due to their limited power except through funding.

The Policy PDF was also very helpful. The examples of trends that include juvenile crime, loss of jobs to overseas and increasing Internet purchases was a little surprising. I understand policies derived out of interest in global warming and wedlock children, but the others are new to me.

I can def. see how a SLMS can help create and enforce different educational policies. I see the importance of the SLMS as well as other staff being aware that these policies exist and what they mean for the school and students. Sometimes it seems like we are overwhelmed by all the restrictions and hoops we have to jump through just to get something simple done, but there are definite benefits. The SLMS must have to have copies of all the policies on hand in case a parent or staff member has a question about it so storage space has to be taken inconsideration. But most importantly, I see that a SLMS can help influence the production of a policy by bringing together current statistics that back or rebuke the policy's stance. I also think that it is very important for a SLMS to keep in perspective of what is best for the students, the staff, and the school community; you can not let personal opinions or beliefs get in the way, whether you are for or against the implementation of a certain policy.