1. Discipline Matrix Review
Jennifer Abell
Victoria T. Kelly
Barbara Palko

2. Background
Charles County Discipline Matrix is included in the Code of Student Conduct:
Maryland State Department of Education spent two years establishing the Maryland Guidelines for a State Code of Discipline. Charles County had representation on that task force - Dr. Pat Vaira
Charles County then spent another year developing their discipline matrix. We want to thank Dr. Vaira & everyone who spent time and energy working on our discipline matrix.

3. Comparing CCPS to MSDE
In researching and making a comparison between the CCPS Discipline Matrix in the Code of Student Conduct and the MSDE Guidelines for a State Code of Discipline, it was quickly determined that more than 60% of the CCPS’ intervention levels were stricter than the MSDE recommendations.

4. Suspensions – a look at the data
What are students getting suspended for?
704 – Classroom disruption
405 – Fighting
701 – Disrespect/insubordination
402 – Physical Attack – student
We noticed in the suspension data that physical attacks on teachers have risen by 69% over the last three years.

6. Comparing CCPS to Other MD Counties
Based on a comparison made with several of our neighboring counties, Charles County’s discipline matrix has a close similarity with those counties.
Some of the counties were a bit stricter with their levels of intervention.
However, it became very apparent during our research that Charles County has done an excellent job with the development of our discipline matrix.

7. Suggestions by the Committee
Revisit our current discipline program at the secondary level. PBIS appears to have evolved into an extrinsic extreme with less emphasis on the intrinsic value of doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
Consider implementing discipline programs that emphasize building relationships and character education
Consider the implementation of ‘parent shadowing’ as another intervention (also referred to as reverse suspensions).

8. Suggestions (cont’d.)
Consider increasing the level of intervention for the following infractions
Ensure bus consequences are at the same levels as classroom
Add the MSDE behavioral infraction codes to the discipline matrix.
Consider adding a behavior component to Policy Extra-curricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements for Grades 6-12

9. Parent Shadowing Rio Rancho Public Schools, NM:
Parent shadowing of students may be permitted at any time or in lieu of discipline when 2 or more days of OSS is given. Parents must make arrangements with an administrator at least 24 hours in advance prior to the visitation days, appropriate contracts signed as necessary. Parents must attend all classes with their child and act only as an observer. There must be no interaction with the teacher during the class and parents may not interfere with the instructional time of the class.”
Currently in use in WV, NC, TX, CA, FL, NM, MN, MD, VA, and other states (public AND private schools).
In use in MD: Wicomico, Montgomery, Prince George’s, possibly others
Montgomery County term: “Parent Outreach”
Calvert: “We act in loco parentis,” or “in place of the parent.”
Results: Suspensions drop by 67%, Bad Behavior drops by 50%

10. Revere Middle School, CA

12. Questions by the Committee
Have schools been given direction that a student must have three classroom offenses before a teacher can send the student to the office?
Does the new Student Information System have the functionality to track infractions, no matter what class a student is in, much in the same way attendance is tracked?
Are teachers penalized during their evaluation process for students sent to the office?
Where can the MOU with the Sheriff’s Office re: SROs be found? Should we include it in the Code of Conduct, as Montgomery Co. does, with the matrix, so families are clear on when the police would be involved, and have family discussions about appropriate conduct in school?
Where are we as a system with respect to implementing restorative practices?

13. Newsreel of Huntington, WV