Responding to Student Misbehavior Sample Clauses
The "Responding to Student Misbehavior" clause outlines the procedures and actions that an educational institution or its staff may take when a student violates behavioral expectations. Typically, this clause details the types of conduct considered unacceptable, the steps for investigating incidents, and the range of disciplinary measures that may be imposed, such as warnings, suspensions, or other corrective actions. By clearly defining the response process, this clause ensures consistency and fairness in handling student misconduct, helping to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment.
Responding to Student Misbehavior. In the event a student misbehaves, the school principal and their designees will be the primary source of intervention and disciplinary consequences. The Code of Student Conduct and Discipline Matrix provides detailed information on consequences and interventions and shall guide the responses to particular types of misbehavior. In addition, school officials should make every effort to connect students to school or community-based support services, such as counseling, mentoring, or extra-curricular activities. Many types of minor student misbehavior may technically meet the statutory requirements for non-violent misdemeanors, but are best handled outside of the criminal justice system. In any school year, the first instance of student misbehavior that rises to the level of a non-violent misdemeanor and requires consultation with a police officer should not result in arrest nor the filing of a criminal complaint, but instead be handled through the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline Matrix. Behavior that rises to the level of a felony offense under any of the above statutes is not included herein. All parties involved in school discipline decisions shall consider the surrounding circumstances including the age, history, disability or special education status, and other factors that may have influenced the behavior of the student, the degree of harm caused and the student’s willingness to repair the harm. 6 §1006.13, Fla. Stat. (2013), requires that certain felony threats (§ 790.162 and § 790.163, Fla. Stat. (2013)) be referred to the criminal or juvenile justice system. Felonies, including § 790.162 and § 790.163, fall outside of the scope of this agreement.
Responding to Student Misbehavior. 1. School officials are responsible for fostering a positive school climate, administering the Code of Conduct, and responding to normative child and adolescent behaviors.
2. School administrators have the responsibility to ensure consistent enforcement of school rules and policies. Police officers and Security Guards shall not act as school disciplinarians, as enforcers of the School’s Code of Conduct violations, nor may they act in place of school officials for classroom management, or in place of school social workers, counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists on school property at school- sponsored events.
3. School officials shall not request the intervention of Police Officers or Security Guards when responding to the following normative child and adolescent behaviors:
a. Disorderly behavior;
b. Behaving in a rude or disruptive manner;
c. Making excessive noise;
d. Hanging out in school hallways or bathrooms;
e. Violating the dress code or uniform policy;
f. Failing or refusing to provide identification upon request;
g. Profane, obscene, vulgar or lewd language, gestures, or behavior;
h. Use of racial or other slurs;
i. Bullying, verbal abuse, and/or harassment;
j. Defying school officials, Security Guards, or Police Officers;
k. Cutting class, tardiness, and unexcused absence;
l. Leaving school without permission;
m. Entering or attempting to enter a school building before or after school hours1 (not breaking and entering);
n. Vandalism and/or graffiti in a school building; and
o. Possession or use of a prohibited item under the Code of Conduct that does not violate the New York Penal Law (e.g., cell phones) and is not a weapon as defined in the Code of Conduct.
4. School administrators shall respond to the above student behaviors pursuant to the School’s Code of Conduct. These behaviors shall not be treated as violations of the criminal law to be referred to Security Guards, Police Officers, or the court system.
1 The Principal or their designee should be contacted if there is a question about a student’s permission to enter.
5. The Principal or their designee shall make the final determination of how to respond to student behavior, taking the following factors into consideration:
a. The student’s age and maturity;
b. The student’s Individualized Education Program (“IEP”), Behavioral Intervention Plan (“BIP”) and 504 Accommodation Plan, if applicable;
c. The student’s mental, medical, and emotional needs;
d. The student’s disciplinary record (inc...