There are systems for everything in our lives. From transportation to your everyday routines, there’s a system in place. Systems help to keep things running smoothly. Without certain procedures in place our society would plummet into chaos. The same goes for our schools.
We need systems for everything. The way students enter the building, how students travel through the building, entering and sitting in the cafeteria, how students leave at dismissal, all of these things require a sense of organization. Imagine if there were no agreed to procedures, it would be a recipe for disaster.
Systems provide stability for our students. Everyone feels better when they know what to expect during the course of the day. Just think about your habits as a consumer. People frequent places where they know they will receive good customer service. Good systems help to provide a better experience.
Just as systems are important, so are the people that implement them. Developing procedures with a team heightens the chances of success. There are brilliant people in our schools, use them to your advantage. There is a far greater chance of procedures being implemented with fidelity when stakeholder thoughts and opinions are considered.
As we begin the new school year, focus on tight systems. The more students and parents understand school procedures, the smoother things will operate. Predictably for students provides fertile ground for academic achievement. Consistent systems help teachers to be effective in their responsibilities.
Setting the expectation and trusting the people that implement processes is important. As the saying goes, in difficult times we fall to the level of our systems. Start strong, set the tone, and adjust as needed. Have a great school year.
