1. Status of the Behavioral Learning Guides
Christopher M. Pape
J.R. Brooks Attorneys for the Board of Education
7/14/2016

2. Overview
Refresher on General Working of the Behavioral Learning Guides
Timeline
Examples of Major Changes
Planned Professional Development
Student/Parent Informational Sessions

3. The Code of Student Conduct had Rigid Classes of Offenses
The Code of Student Conduct had 4 Classes of Offenses: 1, 2, 3, and E
Each class had set disciplinary consequences
The classes left little room for re-teaching expected behavior
Each inappropriate student behavior was assigned to one of the 4 classes
This meant that repeating a behavior would always result in the same response
The CSC did not have a clear set of progressive disciplinary responses
This created some confusion for teachers and administrators

4. The BLGs Replace Classes of Offense with Levels of Response
The BLGs have Levels of Response instead of Classes of Offenses
Inappropriate student behaviors are assigned to multiple Response Levels
As a student repeats a behavior, the teacher and administrator have a clear set of progressive responses
Each Response Level provides a procedure for correcting and reprimanding a student
Response Strategies: Techniques for helping a student regain self-control and to end inappropriate behavior
Disciplinary Consequences: The sanctions for a student’s failure to meet behavioral expectations
Interventions: A measure or series of measures designed to remedy the cause of student’s behavioral issues

5. There are 5 Different Response Levels
Description
Day-to-Day
Normal classroom responses handled by the teacher. No reporting and minor Disciplinary Consequences
Level 1
Classroom responses for repeated or more significant behavior. This behavior has not risen to the level of needing an Office Disciplinary Referral. The teacher administers and documents Level 1 Responses.
Level 2
Administrator responses to repeated issues in the classroom or more significant behavior. The maximum consequences is assignment to In-House Learning Center. Teacher completes an ODR to reach this level. Administrator implements and documents Level 2 Responses.
Level 3
Administrator responses to repeated Level 2 behavior or more significant behaviors. The maximum consequences is Out-Of-School Suspension. Teacher completes an ODR for these behaviors. Administrator implements and documents Level 3 Responses.
Level 4
Administrator responses to the most severe inappropriate behaviors. The maximum consequences is expulsion from school. Teacher completes an ODR to reach this level. Administrator implements and documents Level 4 Responses.

6. To Support the BLG, District-Level Interventions and Behavioral Learning Software will be in Place for
The BLGs require teachers and administrators to pair Interventions with Disciplinary Consequences
The depth of the Intervention increases with the Response Level
Level 1 Interventions may be implemented in the classroom by the teacher whereas a Level 3 Intervention may include outside support staff
District supporting school staff in two ways:
Developing a process for providing schools with District-level support services
Providing teachers and principals with software that will help them track Response Strategies, Disciplinary Consequences, and Interventions

7. After Reviewing and Incorporating the Extensive Feedback, The BLGs are Nearing Completion
Public Comment Period: April 20 – May 6
Date
Event
April 20
Release the BLGs to HCS employees
April 21
Board presentation about the BLGs
April 22
Release the BLGs to parents/guardians, students, and the public
April 26
Presentation to BLG Liaisons (Group 1)
April 27
Presentation to BLG Liaisons (Group 2)
May 2
Spanish BLG presentation
May 3
Public presentation & DAC BLG feedback meeting
May 4
May 5
BLG Liaison make-up meeting
May 6
Last day for comments

8. To Facilitate Teacher, Administrator, Student, and Parent Feedback, HCS Received Feedback About the BLGs in a Number of Ways
For employees:
BLG Liaisons
Consent Order Implementation Website
to Dr. Burruss
Anonymous drop boxes at schools
Hand delivery to Merts
Regular Mail
Teacher Town Hall Meeting
Board Meeting
DAC Public Meeting
For the community:
Consent Order Implementation Website
to Dr. Burruss
Anonymous drop boxes at schools
Hand delivery to Merts
Regular Mail
Board Meeting
DAC Public Meeting

9. The District Reviewed All of the Comments and Edited the BLGs in Light of the Comments and Department of Justice’s Feedback
Examples of changes resulting from the comments:
The BLGs have been reorganized to make it more user-friendly.
A parent/student version will be included in the Student Parent Information Guide.
The BLG contains a new section that highlights proactive measures that teachers can use for classroom management.
There is a new description about the interaction between Response Strategies, Disciplinary Consequences, and Interventions to provide clarity.
The BLG explains that it does not apply to accidental behavior.
TAB Out clearly explains that receiving teacher must first give permission.

10. The District Reviewed All of the Comments and Edited the BLGs in Light of the Comments and Department of Justice’s Feedback
Examples of changes resulting from the comments:
Silent lunch was added as a Disciplinary Consequence.
Student-led parent/guardian conferences were added.
Added more explanation about Restorative Practices.
Controlled substances and illegal drugs have been exempted from the Surrender for Safety provision.
Added the following the Behavioral Learning Matrix:
Clarified drug and alcohol offenses
Clarified bullying offenses
New: Being tardy to class
New: Taking property off of another student’s person
New: Using a cell phone in class is prohibited unless explicit permission is given
Clarified sexual misconduct offenses
Tweaked the Dress Code to remove reference to inches and instead shifted the focus to whether a student is covered.

11. The District will Conduct Extensive Professional Development for Administrators and Teachers, and Hold Informational Sessions for Families
Date
Event
June 6
BLG presentation to Secondary Administrators
June 8
BLG presentation to Elementary Administrators
July 18
BLG Liaison training
July 19
BLG Liaison training & High School Principal Roundtable Meeting
July 22
Administrator Conference
July 27
CSO training
July 28-29
Teacher trainings led by school principals
Start of School
Feeder pattern informational meetings for families