Policy 4373 – Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools

West Virginia Board of Education Goals 1.All students will meet or exceed state, national and international curriculum standards that incorporate the acquisition of 21 st century skills through engaging opportunities in (all subjects)... 2.All students will develop the personal skills and dispositions of wellness, responsibility, self- direction, ethical character, cultural awareness and good citizenship in an environment that is caring and safe. 3.All student will graduate from high school prepared for post-secondary education and career success through personalized pathways and guidance that focus students on productive and satisfying lives.

Policy 4373 Revision Process Student Code of Conduct Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools

Stakeholder Involvement More than 1,000 individuals participated in presentations Google docs site – participant feedback WVDE stakeholder group

Policy 4373 Revision Timeline Completion DatePolicy TasksProfessional Development Tasks June 1, 2011Complete draftInitiate creation of training modules Up through September 1, 2011 Circulate draft to stakeholder groups for feedback through summer meetings Continue development of training modules with flexibility in areas that may change September 2011 Board Meeting Place policy on public comment for 60 days December 2011 Board Meeting Approve policy with effective date of July 2012 Finalize on-line training modules January 1, 2012Post on-line training modules; provide on- site assistance to counties to support policy implementation Spring 2012

Change in Policy Perspective ReactiveProactive Code of ConductExpected Behaviors ViolationsInappropriate Behaviors PunishmentsInterventions and Meaningful Consequences

Change in Policy Format Standard Policy Procedures Manual Policy format was confusing and dis- jointed Chapters with user-friendly index Separate sections of related issues Tables of related issues Five separate policies addressing school climate One policy incorporating five (2418, 2421, , 4372 and 4373)

Chapter 1 (pg. 7-17) Expected Student Dispositions Self-awareness and self-management Social awareness and interpersonal skills Decision making skills and responsible behaviors Note: These are addressed in multiple content standards (page 8)

Grades 2-4Self-awareness and self-management ObjectivesStudents will: Describe a range of emotions and the situations that cause them Describe and demonstrate ways to express emotions in a socially acceptable manner Describe personal skills and interests that one wants to develop Describe the steps in setting and working toward goal achievement 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 Initiative Interaction:  Make relevant remarks during classroom discussion  Express emotions in non-violent ways  Choose activities that express one’s interests 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

Chapter 2 (pg ) Student Rights & Responsibilities Updated content from Policy 4372 Rights Inquiry and Expression Student Groups Extracurricular Activities Privacy Searches and Seizure Child Abuse Prevention

Chapter 3 (pg ) Planning for Policy Implementation Distinct responsibilities (WVDE, RESA, County BOE and school) Policy Development Partnership Development Training and Technical Assistance Policy Dissemination and Training Implementation Plan (County and School) Evaluation of Effectiveness Note: Specific West Virginia Code requirements are listed at the end of each section.

Chapter 4 (pg ) Inappropriate Behavior and Meaningful Interventions and Consequences Safe and supportive schools respond immediately and consistently to all inappropriate behaviors This policy classifies and defines four levels of inappropriate behaviors Out of school suspensions is not an optional consequence for Level 1 behaviors or Level 3 Substance Abuse behaviors County policies may reclassify Levels 2 and 3 inappropriate behaviors

Chapter 4 (Continued) OSS Data for Total OSSProposed Level 1 OSS Level 1 OSS Breakdown 46,3038,834Failure to attend/complete detention2,213 Profane language/ gesture1,812 Possession/use of tobacco products1,187 Skipping class/school1,131 Leaving school grounds733 Antisocial conduct660 Tardiness447 Inappropriate personal property411 Display of affectionate behavior132 Inappropriate wearing apparel46 Cheating38 Trespassing14 Vehicle parking violation10

Chapter 4 (Continued) Use of physical punishment prohibited Use of restraint Alternative education for disruptive students Collaboration with law enforcement

Chapter 5 (pg ) Procedures for Addressing Allegations of Inappropriate Behaviors All school employees are responsible for assuring a safe and supportive school climate All inappropriate behaviors observed by students or public guests must be reported to the appropriate personnel County BOE’s shall develop procedures for reporting complaints, investigating allegations of inappropriate behaviors and preventing reprisals Special considerations

Chapter 6 (pg ) Procedures for Taking Action on Substantiated Inappropriate Behaviors Proactive and preventive in determining meaningful interventions and consequences Provide definitions and guidelines for exclusion, suspension and expulsion Clarification on suspension and attendance Special considerations Reporting procedures Appeals procedures

Chapter 6 (cont.) Reporting Redesign of WVEIS Discipline Reporting System Teacher, principal and superintendent entry Quick report capabilities