During an open session of the New Horizon School Board, a member of the board asks the high school principal how the eligibility policy for co-curricular activities is working. The board member has received a call from a parent with a concern that the policy is weak because it allows students with a low grade to continue participation on a team.
The principal responds that the rules are working quite well. He reports that students with low grades are allowed to practice with their team until the unsatisfactory grade is improved. This practice has motivated several student athletes to improve their academic performance and remain in the extracurricular program. He also reminds the board member that he would be willing to speak with any concerned citizen about the eligibility system.
The board chairman asks the group to pause and reflect about the topic that was just on the table. In particular, she asks what "policy" was being discussed. A second board member comments that it wasn't a policy but that it was part of the procedures and rules that were adopted in the Student Handbook earlier in the year.
The discussion continues briefly. The superintendent comments that administrative procedures, practices and rules are often confused with Policy, which is set by the board. He explains that the Policy adopted by the board supports co-curricular activities as part of the school program. The Policy statement also states that rigorous academic standards are expected to be maintained by participants in the co-curricular program. The procedures and policies (note the lower case "p") were created by the administration to implement and set standards for the program.
The board chair asks that the discussion continue at a subsequent meeting in order to further clarify the differences between "Policy" and "policy".
Is there confusion about the topic on this team?
Has your team ever encountered disagreement over the word "policy"?
What could be done to assure that Policy is distinguished from procedure and practice?
Does the adoption of the student handbook by the board create "Policy" or "policy"?