WVEIS Discipline Reporting & Management System Andy Whisman, Ph.D. WVDE Office of Research June 23, 2011

Objectives Describe proposed changes to the current system More importantly, get input …

The Concept Transform the current discipline Reporting system to a discipline Management system Shift to reporting Incidents then connecting Individuals to those incidents Expand information Collection and Reporting Capabilities to be more useful

Why #1: School Climate Reinforcing appropriate behavior and preventing discipline problems are important to ensuring a positive and supportive school climate

Why is School Climate Important?

Why is School Climate Important?

Why is School Climate Important? Some students experience barriers to learning (social, economic, health) that even the best instruction cannot overcome (Adelman & Taylor, 2000; Osher, Dwyer, & Jackson, 2004). Source: Osher & Weissberg 2011 @ safesupportiveschools.ed.gov

Why is School Climate Important? …It is imperative that the state shift the focus from merely compelling students to attend school to instead providing vibrant and engaging programs that … inspire students… Source: §18-8-6. The High School Graduation Improvement Act.

Why #2: Legislative expansion of harassment/ intimidation/bullying…and reporting requirements? Clinical Definition: Bullying occurs when a person is exposed repeatedly and over time to negative actions on the part of one or more persons… bullying has four elements: (a) an imbalance of power (physical, intellectual, or emotional) (b) the action is repeated over time, (c) the action is intentional, and (d) there is an unequal display of emotion (Olweus, 1993). Legislative Definition: "Harassment, intimidation or bullying" means any intentional gesture, or any intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, communication, transmission or threat that: (a) a reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of any one or more of the following: (1) physically harming a student; (2) damaging a student's property; (3) placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person; or (4) placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to his or her property; or (b) is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or emotionally abusive educational environment for a student; or (c) disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school.

Why #2: Legislative expansion of harassment/ intimidation/bullying…and reporting requirements? Legislative Reporting Requirement: …A requirement that each county board shall input into [WVEIS] and compile an annual report regarding the means of harassment, intimidation or bullying that have been reported to them, and the reasons therefore, if known. The West Virginia Department of Education shall compile the information and report it annually beginning July 1, 2012, to the Legislative Oversight Committee on Education Accountability.

Incident Based Reporting

Step 1: Specify the Incident (Refer to Handout) District/School Date and Time of Day the incident took place Type of Incident overall, what was the nature of the incident? Location the incident took place Number Students and/or Staff Involved

Step 2: Provide Information for Each Person Involved Identify the Person IEP Status (for students involved) Discipline Offense Code This may be different for each person involved. Propose new codes to identify targets/victims/innocent bystanders Was it Bullying????? How Severe was the offense? What was the persons Motivation Number Students and/or Staff Involved

Step 2: Provide Information for Each Person Involved (Cont’) Who dealt with the offense for this person Disposition – what was the response to the offense for this person? This may be different for each person involved. Propose new codes to expand current list of disposition codes If response is suspension/expulsion, for How Many Days?

Step 3: Use the Data— Reports, Charts, Crosstabs Number and/or Average Incidents per Day/Month/Year/etc. Number and/or Average Students per Incident. Incidents and/or Discipline Reports by Problem Behavior Location. Time of day Student Staff/Teacher Etc…

Step 3: Use the Data—Examples

Step 3: Use the Data—Examples

Step 3: Use the Data—Examples

Step 3: Use the Data—Examples

Step 3: Use the Data—Examples

Step 3: Use the Data—Examples

Step 3: Use the Data—Examples

Step 3: Use the Data—Examples

Questions or Suggestions Contact Information Andy Whisman swhisman@access.k12.wv.us Coordinator, Research and Evaluation WVDE Office of Research Building 6, Room 722 304.558.2546