Student Conduct and Discipline Meeting 10/06/09

New PPS Discipline Policy

New PPS Discipline Policy P Committed to positive, respectful and inclusive safe and drug free learning communities, ensures equitable outcomes in discipline and maximizes time in school District staff-use principles of positive behavior support and effective discipline practices and cultural competency Handout: Link to PPS website re Board policies and directives

Policy continued- Discipline Principles Discipline procedures should prevent misbehavior before it occurs Personnel shall make every reasonable effort to first correct misbehavior through family and school-based resources Discipline should be equitable, timely, fair, developmentally appropriate, and match the severity of the student’s behavior Discipline should start at the lowest level possible Discipline should teach student to behave in ways that contribute to academic and behavioral success, and support school environment

What the change means Commitment to equity in disciplinary outcomes Re-focus on prevention and early intervention Move away from reactive strategies to manage student misconduct Much greater accountably

Implications of new policy Expectation that all schools are intentional in eliminating over-representation of minorities in student disciplinary outcomes Expectation that all schools align with best practices in developing a positive school climate Expectation that all schools use office discipline referral data as part of a site-based team to improve behavioral practices Expectation that central office support schools in meeting these expectations

Implications of bullying legislation (Oregon HB 2599) Requires uniform reporting procedures for bullying throughout the district Review current policy and directive ( P and AD) Look for update of supports from Student Services and IT

Implications of legislation relating to disclosure of information about student involved in the justice system (Oregon HB 512) This legislation requires school administrators to notify staff when student are charged with a serious criminal offense Staff is not allowed to talk to students about the charges We will provide schools notice when one of their students has a charge pending We will also provide notice when the charge has been dropped or the youth has been adjudicated

Other Bits of Information Discipline materials update: Target delivery for new materials week of 9/14. In the meantime, use Guide to Policies, Rules, and Procedures on Student Responsibilities, Rights and Discipline Call the Student Conduct office: (Tammy Jackson and Julie McGalliard ext ) –For ALL weapons (even toys) –For prior alcohol and drug violations—history is important to Level of finding –If you are not highly confident of procedures, give us a call after reading “The Guide” –Call early, call often (credit to Jollee for this advice)

Helpful Tip Check out our web site at: s/student-services/index.htm (See Administrators Tool Box and Legal Issues Memos) s/student-services/index.htm

School Connectedness escentHealth/connectedness.pdf

"If kids come to us [educators/teachers] from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important." Barbara Colorose

Making Connections Know where your students are coming from (language, values and beliefs and behaviors may not be the same as yours) Value of education Dual rules (home vs. school) Voice level Eye contact Competition Family Involvement

Getting to Know Your Students ACTIVITY: Discuss with your team ideas for getting to know your students beginning on the first day of school. Examples: Q and A Short essay introducing your student’s family to you Talk about their names Create a culture jar (students place traits of their culture in a jar and you use in future lessons etc.) Select a spokesperson for your group Share with whole group

School Connectedness Defined as the belief by students that adults care about their learning as well as about them as individuals Leads to students engaging in healthy behaviors and succeeding academically

School Connectedness National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health –Strongest protective factor to decrease substance use, school absenteeism, early sexual initiation, violence, and risk of unintentional injury –Second strongest protective factor against emotional distress, disordered eating, suicidal ideation and attempts –Strong relationship between school connectedness and academic outcomes (attendance, grades, test scores, and prevents dropout)

Did you know? Nationally: Approximately 35% of students who dropout of High School report academic failure, 65% report social, emotional, and/or behavioral reasons for leaving school

Intentional Connections Adult support Belonging to a positive peer group Commitment to education School environment –Physical –Psychosocial

Increasing School Connectedness Create a shared decision-making process that facilitates student, family, and community engagement Provide educational opportunities to enable families to be actively involved Provide students with academic, emotional, and social skills Use effective classroom management and teaching methods Provide professional development and support for teachers and other school staff Create trusting and caring relationships that promote open communication among administrators, teachers, staff, students, families, and communities

Summary New discipline policy requires we be intentional in creating positive and equitable environments Establish school-wide and classroom structures defining clear expectations and responsibilities for students and staff Connections matter Keep reflecting on your practice

Thank You! Tammy Jackson Sr. Program Manager Student Conduct and Discipline ext