Policies

• Policies should be clear, consistent and simple. They should explain the classroom work expectations and the consequences for not meeting them. For example, a policy on homework might be that it needs to be turned in each morning and must be done at recess if it is not. Teachers need to develop policies for homework, classwork, late work, attendance, grading and materials. These policies should be included in a classroom handbook and should be presented to parents as well as students.
  
  

Procedures

• Procedures tell students how things are done in the classroom. When students are taught precisely how to do something, there are fewer chances for behavior problems. Procedures should include how to sharpen pencils, turn in work, line up, use the bathroom, getting student attention, getting teacher attention, cleaning up and communicating with parents. One example for a lining up procedure is to create a "line order" so that students always line up in the same order, preventing typical jostling and pushing.
  
  

Considerations

• Although it's important to have firm policies and procedures, that doesn't meant teachers have to dictate all of them. Students can help decide on procedures such as how to hand out materials or even help develop classroom rules. This way students feel some ownership about how the class is run and are more likely to follow policies and procedures.