A recorded version of this presentation will be posted to http://wvde.wv.us/osp/sebta.html

Policy 4373 Expected Behaviors in Safe

and Supportive Schools

Presented by Justin Boggs

March 12, 2013

“Our challenge as educators is to make sure that we provide all children in our public schools the opportunity for success. Teachers of children with special needs understand this challenge more than most. They are dedicated individuals who have a passion for teaching and high expectations that every child can learn given an opportunity.” – James B. Phares, Ed.D.

Policy 4373 Revisions

Student Code of ConductExpected Behavior in Safe and

Supportive SchoolsCombines:

2418 – Alternative Education2421 – Harassment2422.5 – Substance Abuse4372 – Student Rights and Responsibilities4373 – Student Code of Conduct

WVBE Vision“ . . . to provide an education that supports students to develop into healthy, responsible, and self-directed citizens who have the knowledge and Global21 skills to lead satisfying and productive lives.”

(Intro.)

Within this vision . . . “. . .a goal for all students to develop personal skills and dispositions of

wellness, responsibility, self-direction, ethical character, cultural awareness and good citizenship

in an environment that is caring and safe.”(Intro., WVBE Goal #2)

The Big Picture• Dispositions • Social and emotional learning: explicit

curriculum• Safe, supportive environments: implicit

learning• Collective responsibility of all

VISIONProactive Approach

• Social and emotional learning• Core areas• Context for learning• Standards and objectives

PREVENTIONExplicit

Curriculum

• Essential components• Inappropriate behaviors • Interventions and consequences

INTERVENTIONImplicit

Learning

Table of Contents

Ch. 1 Expected Student DispositionsCh. 2 Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesCh. 3 Planning for Policy ImplementationCh. 4 Inappropriate Behaviors and Meaningful

Interventions and ConsequencesCh. 5 Procedures for Addressing Allegations of

Inappropriate BehaviorsCh. 6 Procedures for Taking Action on

Substantiated Inappropriate Behaviors

Chapter 1Expected Student

DispositionsSec. 1 – Rationale for Developing DispositionsSec. 2 – School and Community Social Skills Standards

• Self-awareness and Self-management• Social-awareness and Interpersonal Skills• Decision-making Skills and Responsible Behaviors

What are dispositions?

“the values, commitments and ethics - that - influence one’s behaviors toward others,

and affect learning, motivation and

development.” (Ch. 1, Sec. 1)

Dispositions reflect Values such as…

Caring Fairness Honesty Responsibility Social Justice

(Ch. 1, Sec. 1)

Socially Competent Students are Skilled in Three Core Areas:

Self-awareness and Self-management

+ Social-awareness and

Interpersonal Skills +

Decision-making Skills and Responsible Behaviors

(Ch. 1, Sec. 2)

Standards and

Objectives:

2nd – 4th

Standard 1:Self-awareness and Self-management

This standard promotes the development of self- esteem and the identification of emotions leading to student self-efficacy to express themselves in constructive ways.

These skills enable students to > control impulses > manage stress and > motivate themselves to establish, monitor and achieve academic and personal goals.

(Ch. 1, Sec. 2)

Grades 2-4 Self-awareness and Self-managementObjectives Students will:2-4.1.01 Describe a range of emotions and the situations that cause them.2-4.1.02 Describe and demonstrate ways to express emotions in a socially acceptable manner.2-4.1.03 Describe personal skills and interests that one wants to develop.2-4.1.04 Describe the steps in setting and working toward goal achievement.2-4.1.05 Describe and demonstrate ways that healthy habits contribute to goal achievement.

Example Behaviors that document mastery of Self-awareness and Self-management Individual Behavior:• Complete work on time• Internalize class routines• Maintain good grooming• Maintain healthy habits• Avoid inappropriate

physical contact• Express enthusiasm for

school• Express confidence and

positive self-esteem• Ignore distractions• Practice basic internet

safety

Initiative Interaction:• Make relevant remarks during

classroom discussion• Express emotions in non-

violent ways• Choose activities that express

one’s interest and strengths• Ask peers for help• Make invitations

Responsive Interaction:• Listen when others speak• Participate in group activities• Help peers when asked• Accept ideas different from one’s

own• Interact appropriately with adults• Express sympathy• Follow verbal and written

directions

Standard 2:Social-awareness and Interpersonal Skills

Social-awareness involves recognition of the thoughts, feelings and perspectives of others, including those that are different from one’s own.

Interpersonal skills involve • cooperating• communicating respectfully and • constructively resolving conflicts …

Both are essential for building and maintaining positive relationships that are essential to success in school and life.

(Ch. 1, Sec. 2)

Standard 3: Decision-making Skills and

Responsible Behaviors

Decision-making requires an ability to accurately assess a variety of situations, define and evaluate choices, anticipate consequences of each, generate alternative choices and select a responsible choice.

Responsible behaviors are those that • promote safety• avoid risk• deal honestly and fairly with others • contribute in a positive way to one’s

classroom, school, family and community(Ch. 1, Sec. 2)

How are the Social and Emotional Learning Standards to be used?

“The social and emotional learning standardsare not expected to be documented in individual teacher lesson plans but rather should serve as a framework for school-wide student behavior expectations as determined by each school faculty.”

(Ch. 1, Sec. 2)

Social and Emotional Learning is addressed through WV Board of

Education policies such as:• 2315 - Guidance and Counseling • 2520.4 - Social Studies• 2520.55 - Wellness PreK-4• 2520.5 - Health Education 5-12• 2520.6 - Physical Education 5-12• 2520.14 - Learning Skills and Technology Tools• 2520.15 - Early Learning Standards Framework: Content Standa

rds and Learning Criteria for West Virginia Pre-Kindergarten (WV Pre-k)

• 2520.19 - Advisor/Advisee 5-12

Sample of CrosswalkHealth

Education(5-12)2520.5

Physical Education (5-

12)2520.6

Social Studies2520.4

Guidance and Counseling

2315

Advisor/Advisee (5-12)

2520.19

Learning Skills and

Technology Tools

2520.14Grade 7 Standard 1: Self-awareness and self-management

Objectives Students will:

7.1.02Apply

strategies to manage stress

and to motivate

successful performance.

HE.7.7.04 identify strategies to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

PE.7.3.03 participate in physical activities both in and outside of school (e.g., physical education class, intramurals, recreation leagues).

7.1.3.a. Students will demonstrate the ability to balance school, studies,extra-curricular activities, leisure time and family life.7.1.2a. Students will demonstrate the motivation to achieve individualpotential.

21C.O.5-8.3.LS.5 

Student exhibits interpersonal and problem-solving skills when in the role of leader. He/she helps others stay focused on the goal, monitors progress of the group, and successfully moves the group toward the goal.

In what context must this learning take place?

“Competence in the use of these skills is promoted in the context of safe and supportive school, family and community learning environments in which students feel

valued, respected, connected to and engaged in learning.”

(Ch. 1, Sec. 2)

Whose Responsibility is This?“It is the collective responsibility of all school staff and all community partners to assume an appropriate role in teaching and supporting social and emotional learning skills.”

(Ch. 1, Sec. 2)

“Parents, teachers and community members, by fostering a sense of cooperative responsibility, can reinforce one another’s efforts.”

(Ch. 3, Sec. 1)

Survey Data from 42 WV Schools – Spring 2011

During the past 30 days, • 18% of students reported smoking cigarettes at least once• 13% reported using smokeless tobacco at least once• 29% had at least one drink of alcohol• 19% had five or more drinks in a row within a couple of hours

(Binge drinking)• 15% used marijuana• 29% of students felt that student depression was a moderate or

severe problem in their school• During the previous 12 months, 15% said they seriously

considered attempting suicide

Obviously, schools cannot address these problems effectively without support from community organizations and agencies.

How are parents involved?

“Parents, as their children’s first and most enduring teachers, can complement their children’s school learning and behavior by serving as collaborators in the educational process.”

(Ch. 3, Sec. 1)

And the Community?

“Community involvement, including strong business partnerships, promotes a safe and supportive school climate/culture that connects students to a broader learning community.”

(Ch. 3, Sec. 1)

Chapter 2Student Rights and Responsibilities

Sec. 1 – The Right to a Thorough and Efficient Education

Sec. 2 – Student Inquiry and ExpressionSec. 3 – Non-curriculum Related Student GroupsSec. 4 – Extra-curricular ActivitiesSec. 5 – PrivacySec. 6 – Protection from Unreasonable Searches and SeizuresSec. 7 – Child Abuse Prevention

(Refer to Chapter 2 for details)

Sections in Chapter 2 with Changes

• Section 1-School supplies

• Section 2-Electronic communications

• Section 4-GED participation in Extra-Curricular Activities

Chapter 3Planning for Policy

Implementation

Sec. 1 – Conceptual FrameworkSec. 2 – Responsibilities of the West Virginia Board of EducationSec. 3 – Responsibilities of the Regional Education Service AgenciesSec. 4 – Responsibilities of County Boards of

EducationSec. 5 – Responsibilities of Schools

If the School Climate/Culture is Positive – Students, Staff and Parents Feel:

• Safe . . . emotionally, intellectually and physically

• Engaged

• Respected(Ch. 3, Sec.1)

What a Positive School Climate/Culture Looks Like?

characterized by warmth, positive interest, and involvement by adults

firm limits to unacceptable behavior

where non-hostile, non-physical negative consequences are consistently applied in cases of violations of rules and other inappropriate behaviors

adults act as authorities and positive role models

(Olweus, D., Limber, S. & Mihalic, S.F. (1999). Bullying PreventionProgram. Boulder, CO: Center for the Study/Prevention of Violence)

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How does the policy support this?

In order to convey a pervasive and consistent message that these valued dispositions are a priority, all students, staff and public guests

of West Virginia public schools shall behave in a manner that promotes a school climate/ culture that is safe and supportive and conducive to developing our valued dispositions.

(Ch. 3, Sec. 1)

Where do Expectations Apply?

Conduct expectations apply to all students, staff and public guests:

-> on school property, -> on school owned/leased buses and vehicles,

-> at school bus stops and -> at sponsored events.

(Ch. 3, Sec. 1)

Based on a dozen years of experience implementing the West Virginia Model for Positive School Climate, these minimums in Policy 4373 expressWhat Works!

They describe Essential Components of a Safe and Supportive School

At a minimum, schools shall:

Establish a leadership team and a process to gain school-wide input and commitment to manage the design, monitoring and improvement of school climate/culture

(Ch. 3, Sec. 5)

At a minimum, schools shall:

Make data driven improvement decisions based on school climate/ culture data to set school-wide improvement priorities/plans

At a minimum, schools shall:

Implement programs/practices that promote • Universal youth asset development• Targeted at-risk group interventions• Referral processes for intensive

interventions

What interventions are in place at your school?

Level 3• Intensive Interventions• Individual students• Assessment-based

Level 2• Targeted Group Interventions• Some students (at-risk)• Rapid response

Level 1• Core Instructional Interventions• All settings, all students• Preventive, proactive

At a minimum, schools shall:

Evaluate school climate/cultureimprovement process and revise as needed

How Will We Assess Progress?

Climate/culture survey data Reduced referrals for inappropriate behaviors Decreases in absentee rate Increases in informal positive socialization A perceived sense of community Reduction in out-of- school and in-school

suspensions If it’s starting to look and feel like we imagined

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Change is Slow and often Subtle

Changing a school’s climate is a process

Not in big events, but steps implemented, strategically, over time.

This process usually takes between 3-5 years.

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Chapter 4

Inappropriate Behaviors and Meaningful Interventions and Consequences

The purpose of these regulations is to provide schools with policy that creates and ensures an orderly and safe environment that is conducive to learning.

(Ch. 4, Sec. 1)

The Charge Revisited

This policy requires that all schoolsrespond quickly and consistently to any behavior that disrupts the learning environment in a manner that effectively deters future incidents and affirms respect for individuals.

(Ch. 4, Sec. 1)

Sample for Level 1

Behaviors Definitions Interventions & Consequences

LEVEL 1: Minimally Disruptive Behaviors – disrupt the educational process and the orderly operations of the school but do not pose direct danger to self or others.Cheating A student will not plagiarize or copy the work

of others or break rules to gain advantage in a competitive situation. Interventions for this inappropriate behavior may include academic sanctions in addition to other discipline.

Administrator/student conference or reprimand

Administrator and teacher-parent/guardian conference

Academic sanctions may be used to deny credit for work resulting from cheating; however, previously earned grades/credits may not be reduced.

Counseling referrals and conference to support staff or agencies

Daily/weekly progress reports

Behavioral contracts

Deceit A student will not deliberately conceal or misrepresent the truth, deceive another or cause another to be deceived by false or misleading information.

Disruptive/Disrespectful Conduct

A student will not exhibit behavior that violates classroom/school rules, results in distraction and obstruction of the educational process or that is discourteous, impolite, bad mannered and/or rude. Behavior is considered disruptive and/or disrespectful if a teacher is prevented from starting an activity or lesson, or has to stop instruction to address the disruption.

Level 1Minimally Disruptive Behaviors- disrupt the educational process and the orderly operations of the school but do not pose direct danger to self or others.

Cheating Inappropriate LanguageDeceit Inappropriate display of affection Tardiness Failure to serve detentionFalsifying identity Disruptive/Disrespectful ConductInappropriate appearance Vehicle parking violationSkipping class Possession of inappropriate personal property

Level 2

Disruptive and Potentially Harmful Behaviors-disrupt the educational process and/or pose potential harm or danger to self and/or others. The behavior is committed willfully but not in a manner that is intended maliciously to cause harm or danger to self and/or others.

Gang-related activityHabitual violation of school rules or policiesInsubordinationLeaving school without permissionPhysical fight without injuryPossession of imitation weaponPossession of knife not meeting “dangerous weapon definition”Profane language/obscene gesture/indecent act toward employee or studentTechnology misuse

Level 3

Imminently Dangerous, Illegal and/or Aggressive Behaviors-are willfully committed and are known to be illegal and/or harmful to people and/or property.

Fraud/forgery Battery against a studentFalse fire alarm GamblingTrespassing Sexual misconductInhalant abuse Threat of injury/assault against an employee or studentImitation drugs Improper or negligent operation of a motor vehicleHazing Substance containing tobacco/nicotine Larceny

Harassment/bullying/intimidationDefacing school property/vandalism

Level 4

Safe School Act Behaviors- are consistent with those addressed in West Virginia Codes.

Battery against a school employeeFelonyIllegal substance related behaviorsPossession and/or use of dangerous weapon

*Level 4 behaviors are used in the identification and classification of Persistently Dangerous Schools.

May Counties Reclassify Behaviors?

“County policies may reclassify Level 2 and 3 inappropriate behaviors depending on the severity or repetition f the behaviors and provided this reclassification assures that the treatment of the inappropriate behavior is consistent with West Virginia Code.”

(Ch. 4, Sec. 1)

May Counties Add Interventions and Consequences?

“County/school policies should identify

appropriate and meaningful interventions and consequences

that include, but are not limited to, examples provided in this policy.”

(Ch. 4, Sec.1)

Examples of Interventions that Could be Added

• For students with disabilities: Behavior Intervention Plan, Reconvene the IEP or 504 Committee

• Referral to a local mental health agency for counseling

• Placing a student who has been excluded from class or suspended in school in another teacher’s classroom to complete assignments

InterventionPrevention

Prevention is the process in which we teach students to choose acceptable behavior and help them develop an attitude of respect for oneself and others.Intervention is the process in which we hold students responsible for their behavior and for the consequences of that behavior.

Consequences and Interventions for Students with IEPs and/or 504 Plans

It is required to determine if a student warrants protection under the IDEA, Policy 2419 and/or Section 504.

(Ch.4, Sec. 1)

Physical PunishmentWest Virginia Code §18A-5-1(e) prohibits school employees from using corporal (bodily) punishment on any student. No physical punishment of any kind can be inflicted upon a student. This includes:

hitting or striking a student on their physical person;requiring physical activity as a punishment (this does not apply to

physical activity within the structure and context of extracurricular activities);

use of noxious stimuli (e.g. pepper spray), denial of food or water or other negative physical actions to control behavior; and

seclusion - a removal in which a student is left unsupervised in a dark area or in any space as an intervention or consequence to inappropriate behavior. (Ch. 4, Sec. 3)

Thank you for your participation. At the conclusion of this webinar, please download the NCIPP mentor-mentee attachments.

If you require additional assistance please contact Dr. Christina Chambers, Assistant Director, Office of Special Programs 304-558-2696 or via email at cdchambe@access.k12.wv.us.