The development of school district policies and regulations is the most important responsibility of school boards nationally. In addition, the work of a school district’s administration looms important for the effective implementation of school policy. Effective school operations depend on a viable system of policy development. Effective policy development is the crux of successful school...

Primary Chapter Goal: To define and illustrate the basic terms of educational governance, including district policy, administrative regulation, school board bylaws, state and federal laws, and to underscore the importance of governance policies in promoting educational goals and objectives.

Primary Chapter Goal: To set forth the process of classifying school policies and regulations and developing the knowledge and skills of school personnel for fostering the ability to use these governance documents effectively.

Primary Chapter Goal: To illustrate effective models of exemplary policies and regulations being implemented in school districts nationally and to discuss best practices of school boards, school superintendents, and others in planning, designing, and implementing an effective policy system for optimal operational purposes.

Primary Chapter Goal: To underscore the influence of federal involvement, state statutes, and court rulings on local school district policy making; the pros and cons of such controls; the school board issues and the models that demonstrate effective policy implementation; and recommendations for improving school board member qualifications.

Academic Freedom: Includes the right of teachers to speak freely about their subject, to experiment with new ideas, and to select appropriate teaching materials and methods without unreasonable interference or restriction from law, institutional regulations, or public pressure.

Dr. M. Scott Norton is a former public school mathematics teacher, coordinator of curriculum, assistant superintendent, and superintendent of schools. He served as professor and vice chair of the Department of Educational Administration and Supervision at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, later becoming professor and chair of the Department of Educational Administration and Policy...