The
law states that students prek-3 can only be suspended for 1-3 days if the student causes physical harm or poses a credible threat. That means that students cannot be suspended for behavior, even when continuing & highly disruptive.
If a child has an IEP/504 it becomes even more difficult (at any level) to suspend. If a child with a diagnosed disability attacked another student, there is a manifestation meeting to determine if the act is linked to the diagnosed disability.
Schools are pushing MTSS, PBIS, and restorative justice. What is happening, in my opinion, is that many students are being placed at risk.
Linked above:
Code of Virginia Code - Article 3. Discipline
I've read VA Code, requires SBs to take control of writing P & Ps. In my district the principles and administration develops and SB signs off. Most of MY SB members have little knowledge of the polices and always refer to the Superintendent.
Recently, just last week, a fight broke out at the HS basketball game. The game was televised by the TV station. A city BB student punched the opposing team member dead in the face. The other team backs away, as the city players pound them. The city school parents jump into the mayhem.
Outcome, no one was suspected, no one was arrested. COP said, well it's just school rivalry, and chuckles, when interviewed. The City School principle, stated no students would be allowed at future games. Only the athletes and parents. I, as others, are scratching our heads. The athletes and parents, disrupted and involved in the alternation, NOT the students in the stand.
What are we teaching children and yes, the parents?
My grandchild had to change schools last year due to the administration. Three children were cut on the backs of their necks, ALL required stitches and an ER visit. The teachers sent the injured to the office, they were interviewed by a SRO, who told them it wasn't bad and to keep ice on the wounds. NO parent was called or notified.
The SB had NO understanding of the PP they had signed off on and referred us to the Superintendent, who deferred to the principle who refused to protect our students. They told us to transfer to another district. We drive 25 mins each way, now. My 7 yo grandson still doesn't understand why he had to give up the school and teacher he loved. He feels HE is being punished.
All my opinion and praying for reform in our schools.
www.nga.org
