POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 1
Taylor Salvatore
School of Education, Liberty University
February 25, 2024
Author Note
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Taylor Salvatore. Email:
tlsalvatore@liberty.edu
Legal Entanglement Project: Part 3 – Policies and Procedures
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 2
Legal Entanglement Project: Part 3 – Policies and Procedures
Background and Root Causes
In the Newark Public School District, the lack of understanding or awareness of the
district's HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) policy among teachers, parents, and
stakeholders can stem from various root causes. These may include inadequate communication
and dissemination of the policy, insufficient training and education on HIB procedures, language
barriers for non-English-speaking stakeholders, and a complex or convoluted policy document.
Addressing these root causes requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, the district should
enhance communication strategies, ensuring that the HIB policy is easily accessible and
understandable for all stakeholders. In addition, comprehensive training programs should be
implemented for teachers, parents, and students to familiarize them with the policy's intricacies
and reporting procedures. Translating policy documents into multiple languages can improve
accessibility for diverse communities. Simplifying the policy language and streamlining
procedures can further enhance comprehension and adherence. By addressing these root causes
through policy changes and procedural improvements, the Newark Public School District can
foster a safer and more informed school environment.
Development of Policy and Procedures
Proposal of Policy
To enhance the policy and make sure that all stakeholders are not only aware of the
policy but deeply understand it, several changes need to be made. To achieve this, the district
needs to implement an Enhanced HIB Awareness and Reporting Policy to ensure that all
instances of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) are promptly addressed and mitigated.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 3
The policy should require mandatory training. All teachers, staff, and administrators will
undergo annual training sessions on the district's HIB policy, procedures, and reporting
protocols. In addition, the district should host informational sessions and distribute materials to
educate parents and guardians about the HIB policy and their role in reporting and addressing
incidents.
Policy documents and reporting forms need to be made available in multiple languages to
accommodate non-English-speaking stakeholders. Clear and accessible reporting channels will
be established for students, parents, and staff to report incidents of HIB, including online forms,
dedicated hotlines, and in-person reporting options. Once a school receives a report of HIB, the
district will initiate a thorough investigation following standardized protocols, with clear
timelines for resolution and appropriate disciplinary actions. The district needs to continuously
monitor the implementation of the policy, collect feedback from stakeholders, and revise
procedures as needed to ensure effectiveness and compliance with legal requirements.
By implementing these policy revisions and related procedures, the Newark Public
School District aims to enhance awareness of the HIB policy among all stakeholders and
improve the reporting and response mechanisms to create a safer learning environment for
everyone.
Expected Results
The proposed policy and procedures are expected to cultivate equitable, inclusive, and
culturally responsive practices among teachers and staff in several ways. By providing annual
training sessions on the district's HIB policy and procedures, teachers and staff will gain a deeper
understanding of the diverse forms of harassment, intimidation, and bullying that may occur
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 4
within the school community. This training will equip them with the necessary knowledge and
skills to address HIB incidents effectively and in a culturally sensitive manner.
Making policy documents and reporting forms available in multiple languages ensures
that all members of the school community, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background,
can access and understand the HIB policy. This promotes inclusivity and ensures that language
barriers do not hinder reporting or understanding of HIB incidents.
Establishing clear and accessible reporting channels for HIB incidents ensures that all
members of the school community feel empowered to report incidents without fear of reprisal or
discrimination. This fosters a culture of trust and transparency and ensures that all reports are
taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Advocating for Proposed Policy and Procedures
As an administrator advocating for the proposed policy and procedures among teachers
and staff, I would emphasize the following rationale and promotional means. I would highlight
the importance of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students,
emphasizing that addressing HIB incidents requires the collective effort of teachers, staff, and
administrators. I would emphasize that the proposed policy and procedures are designed to
provide the necessary support and resources to effectively address HIB incidents and promote a
culture of respect and dignity for all.
Utilizing various communication channels, such as staff meetings, email newsletters, and
professional development sessions, to introduce the newly adopted policy and procedures to
stakeholders would be one of my major goals. I want to provide clear and concise explanations
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 5
of the policy's objectives, procedures, and expected outcomes, emphasizing the benefits of
fostering equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive practices within the school community.
Additionally, I would encourage open dialogue and feedback from teachers and staff to address
any concerns or questions they may have and ensure their buy-in and support for the proposed
policy and procedures.
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References
The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. .
(n.d.). Model code of ethics for educators (MCEE) resources - NASDTEC.
https://www.nasdtec.net/page/MCEE_DOCS
Newark Public Schools. (n.d.). Harassment, intimidation, and bullying - nps.k12.nj.us.
Newark Board of Education. https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HIB-Flow-
Chart-23-24-SY-Updated-11-6-23.pdf
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