Student Discipline Procedures
The word “discipline” originates from the Latin word disciplina meaning “instruction” and derives from the root discere meaning “to learn.” The word discipulus means “disciple or pupil”. “‘Discipline’ means any action taken by the school district in response to behavioral violations. Discipline is not necessarily punitive, but can take positive and supportive forms. Data show that a supportive response to behavioral violation is more effective and increases equitable educational opportunities. The purposes of this policy and accompanying procedure include the following:
- Engaging with families and the community and striving to understand and be responsive to cultural context
- Supporting students in meeting behavioral expectations, including providing for early involvement of parents
- Administering discipline in ways that respond to the needs and strengths of students and keep students in the classroom to the maximum extent possible
- Providing educational services that students need during suspension and expulsion
- Facilitating collaboration between school personnel, students, and parents, and thereby supporting successful reentry into the classroom following a suspension or expulsion
- Ensuring fairness, equity, and due process in the administration of discipline
- Providing every student with the opportunity to achieve personal and academic success
- Providing a safe environment for all students and for district employees” (Policy 3241).
SHIELD (PBIS)
PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports. This system of teaching and expecting specific behaviors in all areas of the school has been shown to decrease discipline issues, which in turn creates a more positive school culture and learning environment. It also celebrates all of the wonderfuldecisions our students make on a daily basis!
At Royal High School, we call it SHIELD, and its three main expectations are to
1) Be respectful,
2) Be responsible, and
3) Be safe.