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Safe and Orderly
One of the key factors in effective schools is the presence of a safe and orderly environment. In addition to consistent procedures for student conduct and discipline, safe and orderly schools must also include opportunities for the teaching of positive behaviors and interventions at various intensity levels.
In order to promote consistency in procedures and practices with respect to student behavior and referrals, a manual of student rights and responsibilities was developed in the fall of 2007. Within this manual is a matrix of student conduct violations, which are categorized by severity in four major levels. For each category, consequences are designated for first offense, second offense, and repeated offenses. This matrix has been initially adopted for use at the middle school level. By the end of the 2008-09 school year, the matrix will be aligned for use at the elementary and high school levels.
In addition to the matrix, a major goal of the Department of Student Services for the 2007-08 school year has been to make better use of school data regarding discipline referrals and suspensions. These data are presented in a clear and specific manner to school administrators and staff, so that they can more effectively determine the areas in the school that need more attention. The development of more comprehensive student data on safe and orderly issues also helps the district address trends or areas of concern.
The Department of Student Services will continue to gather data and use data effectively to assist schools in creating consistent practices and procedures with respect to student behavior. The Department is also working to promote positive behavior and more interventions for students.
- By May 2009, each middle school and high school will demonstrate a 10% reduction in the number of out-of-school suspensions, as demonstrated by the safe and orderly student data from each school site.
- By August 10, 2008, all schools will receive training on the alignment of the student discipline matrix and the referral process.
- By December 2008, 100% of the elementary, middle, and high schools will be aligned in their use of the student discipline matrix and the appropriate referral procedures.
- By December 2008, each school site will have a description of behavior intervention options available for students.
