Teachers now have some extra clout in enforcing behavior standards thanks to recent changes in state law.
A strong student discipline law was made even stronger by adding more violations to the list for which a student can be immediately removed from the classroom and placed in the custody of the principal. Teachers now have the authority to send students to the office for
- Abusive gestures toward a teacher
- Threatening other students
- Violations of the school’s code of conduct
- Disruptive, dangerous, or unruly behavior
- Inappropriate verbal conduct
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Harassment
- Throwing objects
- Destroying property
- Inciting other students to misbehave
These violations are in addition to those already in the law, which include
- Abusive language toward a teacher
- Preventing the orderly instruction of other students
- Posing an immediate threat to the safety or well being of any student or teacher
The law was also strengthened by requiring the principal to notify a student’s parent whenever the student is removed from the classroom. As always, a teacher may require a parent conference with the teacher in the presence of the principal before the pupil is readmitted.
Students who are sent to the office shall not be permitted to return to the class during the same period in grades 7-12 or for at least 30 minutes in grades K-6). Additionally, the pupil shall not be readmitted to the class until the principal has implemented disciplinary measures.
This law, especially with these new amendments, can help teachers uphold their authority and maintain a respectful teaching and learning environment that will allow the teacher and other students in the classroom to do their best. Like any law, it’s effectiveness is in the enforcement.
If you need help trying to make sure this law is followed, or if you have any questions about it, please call the JFT office at 454-5047.
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