School Operations & Policies Flashcards

A principal receives a complaint that a teacher is consistently late opening the classroom door, leaving students unsupervised in the hallway. What is the principal's FIRST step?

Answer: Observe the situation personally and document findings before taking action

Principals must gather direct evidence through observation and documentation before initiating any disciplinary process.

Under Texas Education Code, which entity is ultimately responsible for adopting a campus improvement plan?

Answer: The campus-level site-based decision-making committee

TEC §11.253 requires the campus-level committee, which includes teachers, parents, and community members, to collaboratively develop and adopt the campus improvement plan.

A student with a documented 504 plan requires extended time on all assessments. A substitute teacher administers a test without providing accommodations. What should the principal do?

Answer: Void the test and require the student to retest with proper accommodations

Section 504 accommodations are legally mandated; a test administered without required accommodations is invalid and must be voided and readministered.

A principal wants to change the campus tardy policy mid-year. Which step is MOST important before implementation?

Answer: Seek input from the site-based committee and communicate changes to stakeholders

Shared decision-making through the site-based committee and clear stakeholder communication are required before enacting policy changes that affect students and staff.

During a fire drill, the principal notices that one wing of the building evacuated three minutes slower than the campus goal. What is the BEST response?

Answer: Analyze the evacuation route and procedures for that wing and adjust the emergency plan accordingly

Principals use drill data diagnostically to identify weaknesses in emergency procedures and update the campus safety plan for continuous improvement.

A parent requests to see their child's cumulative folder, including teacher anecdotal notes kept in a separate personal file. Under FERPA, which records must the principal provide?

Answer: Only the official cumulative record maintained by the school

FERPA covers official education records maintained by the institution; a teacher's personal notes not shared with others and not accessible to other school personnel are exempt.

The district mandates that all campus budgets be submitted by March 1. A principal realizes that a critical instructional supply request was omitted. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Answer: Submit a budget amendment request with documented justification as soon as possible

Budget amendment requests with clear documentation are the proper channel for addressing omissions while maintaining fiscal accountability and compliance.