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 21st 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 4373Revision Process - 2011

Stakeholder Involvement

• More than 1,000 individuals participated in presentations

• Google docs site – participant feedback

• WVDE stakeholder group

Policy 4373 Revision TimelineCompletion Date Policy Tasks Professional

Development TasksJune 1, 2011 Complete draft Initiate creation of

training modulesUp 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 changeSeptember 2011

Board MeetingPlace 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, 2012 Post on-line training modules; provide on-site assistance to counties to support policy implementation

Spring 2012

Change in Policy Perspective

Change in Policy Format

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 2-4 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 timeInternalize class routinesMaintain good groomingMaintain healthy habits

Initiative Interaction:Make relevant remarks during classroom discussionExpress emotions in non-violent waysChoose activities that express one’s interests and strengthsAsk peers for helpMake invitations

Responsive Interaction:Listen when others speakParticipate in group activitiesHelp peers when askedAccept ideas different from one’s ownInteract appropriately with adultsExpress sympathyFollow verbal and written directions

Chapter 2 (pg. 18-21)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. 22-42)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. 43-63)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 2009-2010

Total OSS Proposed Level 1 OSS

Level 1 OSS Breakdown

46,303 8,834 Failure to attend/complete detention 2,213

Profane language/ gesture 1,812

Possession/use of tobacco products 1,187

Skipping class/school 1,131

Leaving school grounds 733

Antisocial conduct 660

Tardiness 447

Inappropriate personal property 411

Display of affectionate behavior 132

Inappropriate wearing apparel 46

Cheating 38

Trespassing 14

Vehicle parking violation 10

Chapter 4 (Continued)

• Use of physical punishment prohibited• Use of restraint • Alternative education for disruptive students• Collaboration with law enforcement

Chapter 5 (pg. 64-66)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. 67-71)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