Although teachers often start  the school year by briefly covering the syllabus and reviewing the student handbook, there is a difference between knowing and understanding school policy. Students can’t follow the rules if they don’t understand them.

When the administration makes changes to policies, students should be the first to know. Having more transparency surrounding school policy changes will lead to better understanding and compliance with school rules.

If only to reiterate policy from previous years, teachers should inform students of changes to the student handbook on the first day of school and encourage students to ask questions about policies they do not understand.

Students must also make the effort to understand the student handbook and follow school policy.

If students do not understand an element of the student handbook, they need to consult with either a teacher or administrator to clarify what they misunderstood.

To raise awareness of changes to the student handbook, the administration could create short videos outlining key differences between this and previous years’ policy. Teachers could show these videos to their classes.

In addition to showing videos, the administration could  post contact information and offer information sessions for students and parents with questions specifically regarding changes to policy. The administration could also send out an e-mail to parents with information about general policy changes.

Both teachers and students can benefit by having clearer rules and expectation for the upcoming school year.

Establishing students’ knowledge and understanding of guidelines early on leads to increased cooperation between students and teachers.

Students should take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about policy changes. They can do this by reviewing the student handbook and contacting the administration with questions about policy change.