A School Policy Development Process

Appoint a co-ordinator

Ideally, an enthusiastic teacher should be asked to co-ordinate the policy development process. Policy development is not a one-off task but a continuing process that will shape a school programme that has educational and community relevance. The coordinator should work closely with the school principal and management body, and convene a team to do the job with speed, wide community consultation and efficiency.

Convene a policy committee

Community participation is essential for the development and implementation of a successful environmental policy. The committee can consist of teachers, the school management body, parents and students. Without the support of parents and the community, a policy on Education for Sustainable Development is likely to be little more than paper ideals and teaching staff will be severely taxed to ‘deliver’ on action plans. Student involvement is equally important to make the policy development a successful community endeavour.

Undertake a school audit to examine the curriculum and key policy elements to see how they relate to Education for Sustainable Development

The key elements in the formal and informal curriculum analysed in Activity 1 can be examined closely (audited) at one or two meetings. After the initial meeting(s) appoint smaller teams to conduct an audit, draft policy statements and propose action plans on the elements of the curriculum important in your school.

Publish draft policy for discussion and revision

Distribute the draft policy and suggested actions widely throughout the school community for comment. Start with a staff meeting to develop internal support for the policy – after all teachers are the ones who will be responsible for policy implementation on a day to day basis. Also seek comments from students, parents and the wider community. The Policy Committee should then meet with the school principal and management body to finalise the plan, explore resource and staff development implications, and consider a public launch of the policy on one of the special days listed in Activity 5.

Implement an action plan to introduce key elements of policy into school life

A school policy should have measurable targets. It might be phased in with key elements launched on special days throughout the school year. Rather than trying to work on all aspects at once, introduce the policy elements one part at a time. Students can be involved in targets to reduce litter, for example. Budget savings through reduced resource use (for example, paper, electricity and water) can be passed on to improve facilities. In this way the policy can function at the centre of school life contributing to improved teaching and learning, sustainability and the overall quality of life of the community.

Evaluate and review

Implementation can be reviewed every term or at mid-year to ensure that the policy remains a ‘living’ policy with action plans that reflect the needs and priorities of the school and wider community.

Source: Adapted from School Environmental Policy and Management Plan, Share-Net, Howick, South Africa, 1998.