Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2006 17:29:37 EDT
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From: Jim Kaufman <Labsafe**At_Symbol_Here**AOL.COM>
Subject: Rules Agreements
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Recently, there was a discussion on the NSTA lists about rules  agreements.  
I thought this might be of interest.  ... Jim
 
 
<< Does anyone have a lab safety contract that you've typed up for  middle 
school
science that you would be willing to share? 

Thanks and  Happy Summer!

Jenny >>
 
The Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI) recommends the use of rules  agreements 
or rules understandings.  Note that we do not refer to them as  contracts 
because they are, in fact, not contracts.
 
We recommend that the statement that the student signs for four parts:  read, 
understood, agree, and realize.  Many rules agreements do not include  the 
realize part.
 
For example: I have READ, UNDERSTOOD, and AGREE to follow the science  safety 
rules.  I REALIZE that my failure to follow these rule can result in  my 
permanently losing the privilege of participating in this class for the rest  of 
this school year.
 
Is there anything on the rules agreement that your students sign that you  
should not be serving as the role model for?  Do you get a pass on any of  the 
rules?  Of course not!
 
So, do the science teachers in your department sign a teacher science  safety 
rules agreement (with the same four parts)?  Most don't.  All  should!
 
Along with the rules agreement, you should have an introductory cover  letter 
signed by the principal and the superintendent.  The "Dear Students"  letter 
welcomes them to science, stresses the importance of the rules agreement,  
outlines the minimum penalties for breaking the rules, and provides the teachers  
with the administrative support they need to enforce the rules.
 
Free copies of LSI's model rules agreement and "Dear Student" letter are  
available for free on request.  Requests should be sent to Christina  Dillard, 
_cdillard**At_Symbol_Here**labsafety.org_ (mailto:cdillard**At_Symbol_Here**labsafety.org) .
 
James A.  Kaufman, Ph.D.
Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI)

192 Worcester  Road
Natick, MA 01760
Tel: 508-647-1900
Fax: 508-647-0062
Cell:  508-574-6264
_www.labsafety.org_ (http://www.labsafety.org/) 

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