Background
Board Responsibility – See Policy 905 - The Board has delegated the development of a student code of conduct to the superintendent or designates and principals working with school staffs. This administrative procedure is one aspect of developing welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning and working environments that respect diversity and nurture a sense of belonging and a positive sense of self.
School Community Relationships - Promotion of a safe and caring school environment requires the assistance and support of parents/guardians, students, and staff. Emphasis in achieving safe and caring school environments is to be placed on measures which foster positive relationships, attitudes, and behaviours.
Progressive Student Discipline - Student discipline is not judgmental, arbitrary, confusing, or coercive and will not include verbal, emotional, or physical abuse as methods of corrective measures. Discipline is intended to encourage individuals to understand why the behaviour was unacceptable, give them ownership for the problem, and provide a process for solving the issue they have created, leaving their dignity intact. Progressive discipline is not simply applying increasingly more severe consequences. The goal is to respond to inappropriate student behaviour as needed, but also foster positive behaviours in order to reduce the occurrence and re-occurrence of negative behaviours.
Consequences - Appropriate interventions and responses are necessary in order to maintain a positive learning environment. The specific circumstances of the situation, and of the student, need to be taken into account when determining appropriate consequences. Prescribed consequences fail to take into account the student's age, maturity, individual circumstances, past behaviour and previous disciplinary responses.
Suspension and Expulsion – The legal and logistical processes are described later in the procedure. The expectation is that, unless a student's misconduct is extremely serious, when a principal is considering suspending or recommending the expulsion of a student, he or she must have reasonably tried to use early and ongoing intervention strategies to address inappropriate behaviour, and the underlying causes of that behaviour, before more punitive action is taken.
Support – After determining the consequence for misconduct, the principal will determine if support is required by the offending student, or anyone adversely affected by it, and will work with parents/guardians to arrange for required support. This might include mentoring, restorative processes, regular check-ins with teachers or school counsellors, or counselling.
Student Responsibilities – Section 31 of the Education Act states a student, as a partner in education, has the responsibility to:
- attend school regularly and punctually,
- be ready to learn and actively engage in and diligently pursue the student's education,
- ensure that the student's conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging,
- respect the rights of others in the school,
- refrain from, report, and not tolerate bullying or bullying behaviour directed toward others in the school, whether or not it occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic means,
- comply with the rules of the school and the policies of the board,
- co-operate with everyone authorized by the board to provide education programs and other services,
- be accountable to the students, teachers, and other school staff for the student's conduct, and
- positively contribute to the student's school community.
Procedures
- Expected Student Behaviour – Students are expected to comply with these expectations while at school, at a school-related activity or while engaging in an activity that may have an impact on others in the school. (Unacceptable behaviours noted are examples only, not a comprehensive list.)
- Compulsory Attendance
Failure to attend regularly and punctually interferes with the learning of the individual and the group; therefore, students will be encouraged to attend regularly and on time. This will, in most instances, require support from parents or guardians. Punitive grading is not an acceptable strategy.
In severe cases of unacceptable absences, the student may be referred to the Attendance Board, which can make an order under section 49(1) of the Education Act.
Actions can include:
- directing the student to attend school;
- directing the parent of a student to send the student to school;
- directing the student to take an education program, or course;
- reporting the matter to a director under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act;
- imposing a monetary penalty not exceeding $100 per day up to a maximum of $1000 to be paid to the Crown;
- Actively Engage in Education
Students are expected to demonstrate good citizenship and exhibit socially responsible and respectful behaviours in order to optimize student learning. Behaviours that interfere with the learning of the student or others will be addressed. Often the first step will be working with the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) to determine what learning activities are most engaging for the misbehaving student and attempt to design an appropriate program.
- Contribute to a Welcoming, Caring, Respectful and Safe Learning Environment
Students are expected to develop empathy through guidance from home and school as they mature and to demonstrate this by treating others respectfully. Consequences for disrespectful behaviour will depend upon the circumstances.
Physical violence, or any acts of bullying, harassment, or intimidation will be dealt with by the staff member who witnesses it and reported to the principal to determine an appropriate consequence.
For any student conduct situation involving weapons, violence, or threat-making behaviour, school-based Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) teams will be convened prior to a student being suspended or expelled from the building. VTRA protocols will be followed to ensure the risk of further violence or self-harm have been identified and minimized.
The following do not contribute to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment and are prohibited on school property, in school vehicles and at any authorized student and/or school event:
- possession, use of and/or selling of alcohol;
- possession, use of and/or selling of prescription drugs for other than the prescribed use;
- possession, use of or selling of illegal drugs;
- possession, use of or selling of non-prescribed cannabis;
- use of tobacco, electronic smoking products, and/or hookah/shisha products;
- persons under the influence of alcohol, non-prescription cannabis, or illegal drugs.
- Respect the Rights of Others in the School
Students as they mature should understand that Canadians have certain rights guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, such as freedom of conscience and religion, and freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression. They also need to develop an understanding of the need to seek a balance between individual and collective rights, freedoms, and responsibilities in the school community. Rights and freedoms are not absolute; they can be limited in order to protect other rights or important national values. For example, freedom of expression may be limited by laws against hate propaganda or pornography. Individual rights can be limited when the rights of others are infringed upon.
Students shall be made aware of the Alberta Human Rights Act and the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation. Students who engage in bullying or other disrespectful behaviour towards any protected group shall be disciplined.
In addition to respecting the persons in the school community, students must also respect others' property. Theft or damage to property shall be reported to parents/guardians and consequences, including restitution, shall be determined.
- Response to Bullying
Definition – "Bullying" is a repeated and hostile or demeaning behaviour intended to cause harm, fear, or distress, including psychological harm or harm to a person's reputation. It often involves an imbalance of social or physical power. Bullying behaviour should not be confused with conflict. Conflict is a disagreement about different beliefs, ideas, feelings, or actions. It is a normal part of healthy relationships.
Bullying behaviours are a form of aggression and can be:
- Physical – For example: poking, elbowing, hitting.
- Verbal – For example: name calling, insults, racist, sexist, or homophobic comments, put- downs or threats.
- Social – For example: gossiping, spreading rumours, excluding someone from the group, isolating, ganging up.
- Cyber – For example: social or verbal bullying through the use of email, text messages or social media.
Instances of bullying, as described above, shall be dealt with by the staff member who observes it and, when necessary, by the principal. As noted in the student responsibilities, students are expected to not only refrain from bullying, but to assist in eliminating it. Bystanders and those who encourage bullying may also be disciplined.
- Comply with School Rules and Board Policies
In age-appropriate language, students shall be informed of school rules and board policies that relate to their conduct and they are expected to follow those rules. Response to failures to comply will focus on assisting the student to learn from the misbehavior, seek to repair any damaged relationships, and avoid repetition of the misbehavior.
- Cooperate with Those Providing Programs and Services
Cooperation is more than avoiding defiance. Students are expected to work with other students and the adults in the school to create the desired welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning and working environments.
- Be Accountable to Teachers and Other Staff for Conduct
Students shall be encouraged to think and act independently while recognizing that they are subject to the authority of the adults in the school and conducting themselves accordingly.
- Contribute Positively to the School and Community
In addition to acquiring the academic knowledge, skills and problem-solving abilities to succeed as adults, students must be encouraged to become the actively engaged citizens that a vibrant community requires. Discipline situations are often opportunities to improve relationships and develop a sense of responsibility for others as well as for oneself.
School Responsibilities
Discipline plans are expected to be progressive and age appropriate, as outlined above.
- Yearly Review
Each school will provide the superintendent with a copy of their student conduct policies complying with the division policy and administrative procedure, for yearly review. The school's expectations and related student conduct policies will be included in the school handbook and shall make reference to programs or approaches used in school-wide intervention and discipline. This information shall be communicated to each student and parent/guardian at the beginning of the school year and posted on the school website.
- Requirements of School and Classroom Discipline Practices
In each school, the principal shall ensure that there is a continuum of interventions for student behaviour and work with staff to ensure that, in each classroom, discipline practices are based upon:
- early detection and the timely implementation of the continuum of interventions.
- procedures that are fair, objective, consistent, and reasonable.
- positive school practices and effective teaching.
- early and ongoing communication with parents.
- age and developmentally appropriate expectations.
- the involvement of wrap-around supports including school/division resource personnel and outside agencies, when appropriate.
- Informed Students
Students must have prior knowledge that failure to meet the expectations for behaviour and conduct shall result in some or all the following:
- problem solving, monitoring or reviewing expectations with the student and possible reprimand.
- involvement of parents or guardians.
- review of the continuum of interventions and the suitability of current programming with the possibility for a recommendation for student assessment(s) in the area(s) of cognitive, behavioural, mental health, and/or medical.
- removal of privileges.
- in-school suspension.
- out-of-school-suspension
- restitution for property damage to an individual or the Division.
- alternative interventions. In such cases, the alternative interventions must be supported by the student, parent/guardian, and school administrator(s). Alternative interventions may include:
- student transfer to another school.
- student transfer to another program (blended, home schooling, supported learning).
- Involvement of the school resource officer or RCMP.
- Expulsion from a course, program, bus, or school.
- Suspension Process
Suspension is the removal of a student from: the classroom, a course, the school, school property, school activities or bus.
Teacher - A teacher may suspend a student for one class period as provided for in the Education Act Section 36(2).
Principal - If other progressive disciplinary actions have proven ineffective, and/or the student misconduct is serious enough to warrant suspension, the principal may suspend a student for up to five days as provided in the Education Act Section 36(3). The principal shall inform parents immediately, inform parents in writing of the circumstances, and provide an opportunity for a meeting with parents.
Due process must provide for appropriate notification and opportunity to be heard. The more severe the infraction and possible consequences, the more structured the notification procedure and hearing.
- Expulsion Process
- If the principal has found that other progressive disciplinary actions have proven ineffective and/or the student misconduct is serious enough to warrant a recommendation for expulsion, the principal shall follow the process outlined in Education Act Section 37 in making that recommendation.
- If a principal is recommending expulsion, the principal shall refer the recommendation to the Student Conduct Committee through the assistant superintendent. Within 10 school days of the original suspension, the Student Conduct Committee will meet and review the case. The parent/guardian and student will be notified and invited to attend.
- The assistant superintendent shall chair a meeting of the Student Conduct Committee and communicate the decision of the Committee to the student, parent/guardian, and principal first verbally and then in writing as soon as possible after the meeting.
- As outlined in the Education Act Section 37, the Board (or in this case the Student Conduct Committee to whom authority has been delegated) has the authority to expel or reinstate a student and impose conditions in which an expelled student may be reinstated. Such conditions could include, for instance, a requirement that the student would demonstrate acceptable progress in academic pursuits, general conduct, counseling programs, and/or participation in a substance abuse program.
- Written notification of the Board Student Conduct Committee's decision will acknowledge that the parent of the student affected by the decision or the student, if the student is 16 years of age or older, may request in writing that the Minister review the decision of the Board.
- A student who has been expelled must be provided, by the Board, with an educational program that is reasonable in light of all the circumstances and in accordance with the Education Act, Section 37(10). The assistant superintendent will finalize the educational program offered by the Board to the expelled student.
- In the case of a disciplinary matter where a student has withdrawn from school in anticipation of a principal's recommendation to the Board that he/she be expelled, and a letter is on file in the division office in this regard, the student shall not be readmitted to any Division school in that same school year without approval of the superintendent.
- Expulsion is at the discretion of the Board Student Conduct Committee. The Board Student Conduct Committee, in making its decision, shall take into account the circumstances under which the student committed the offence. This Committee may expel a student from a class, program, bus or school for reasons outlined in the Education Act Section 37(1).
Appendices
Referral Form……………………………………………………………… Pages 9 and 10
Principal Checklist ………………………………………………………… Page 11
Suspension Letter Template…………………………………………………Pages 12
Expulsion Hearing Letter Template………………………………………… Page 13
Student Conduct Committee Agenda ……………………………………..... Page 14
GRASSLANDS SCHOOL DIVISION — BOARD STUDENT CONDUCT COMMITTEE — REFERRAL FORM
School: ______________________________
Student's Name: ______________________ AB. ED ID#____________
Grade ________ Age _____
Parent's Name & Address: ____________________________
Home Phone # ____________ Work Phone # ____________
Description of Incident:
Action Taken:
Action Taken continued if required:
Based on the seriousness of the incident indicated above, I am recommending student, _______________________, be expelled and appear before the Board Student Conduct Committee for a hearing into this matter.
_____________________________ _____________________________ Date Principal's Signature
To Be Completed by Central Office:
Place/date/time of meeting: ____________________________
Trustee: __________________
Trustee: __________________
Trustee: __________________
GRASSLANDS SCHOOL DIVISION — BOARD STUDENT CONDUCT COMMITTEE — PRINCIPAL CHECKLIST
At the time of decision to recommend expulsion:
☐ Notify the parent/guardian of the student and, in the case of a student who is 16 years or older, the student, of your decision to suspend and recommend that the Board expel the student.
☐ Provide written notification by mail to the parent/guardian of the student and, in the case of a student who is 16 years or older, the student, of suspension and recommendation for expulsion.
☐ Complete the Board Student Conduct Committee referral form and submit to Central Office.
Two days prior to the Board Student Conduct Committee Hearing:
☐ Submit to Central Office written documentation supporting the recommendation to expel. Written documentation should include all relevant information, including:
- a copy of the suspension and recommendation for expulsion letter.
- an historical background profile if relevant to expulsion recommendation.
- a summary of:
- recent events/behaviours/records that relate to the recommendation.
- interventions attempted, case conferences, meetings.
- current course marks/grades.
No new information should be presented at the hearing.
At the hearing, be prepared to:
☐ Orally review key events, documentation, and reasons for the recommendation of expulsion.
☐ Specify the recommended duration of the expulsion and placement alternatives.
☐ Specify the recommended interventions and conditions of reinstatement that would support the student.
☐ Answer questions from the trustees on the Student Conduct Committee.
☐ Stick to the case as presented in the written documentation.
Sample Template of Letter of Suspension with Notice of Recommendation for Expulsion
School Letterhead
Date
Parent/Guardian Name and Address
Dear____________:
In accordance with sections 31, 34, AND 37 OF THE Alberta Education Act and Grasslands School Division Administrative Procedure 905, this letter is to officially inform you that your son/daughter ____________ (name of student) is suspended from school and as principal of the school, I intend to recommend him/her for expulsion from attending ________ (name of school). The suspension and recommendation for the expulsion of _____________ (name of student) has occurred because ___________________ (Section 31 of the Education Act should be referenced and a detailed description of incident – i.e. selling illegal drugs on such and such as date at such and such a place).
The suspension begins _____________(start date). ____________(name of student) is not to attend school, be on the school site, ride the school bus, or attend any extra-curricular activities while this suspension is in effect.
According to section 34 and 37 of the Education Act and Board Administrative Procedure 905, the decision to reinstate or expel ________________(name of student) must be made by the Board of Trustees of Grasslands School Division. A hearing of the Board Student Conduct Committee must be held within ten (10) school days after the first day of suspension, and you have the right to be present at that hearing and to make representations to the Committee. You will be contacted by the Division central office regarding the scheduling of this hearing.
Should you have questions about the suspension, or wish to discuss the incident or any other matter related to your child's education, please contact me at _____________(phone number). Alternatively, if you any questions about the expulsion hearing, please call the assistant superintendent at 403-793-6700.
Sincerely,
School Principal Name
Cc. Assistant Superintendent
Sample Template Letter for setting the Expulsion Hearing
Grasslands Letterhead
Date
Parent/Guardian Name and Address
Dear____________:
I have received a referral form from ________________, the principal at _________________ School, dated ______________. This referral provides notice that the principal has suspended your child from school and recommends expulsion.
According to section 37 of the Education Act and Board policy 9.8.1, the decision to reinstate or expel ________________(name of student) must be made by the Board of Trustees of Grasslands School Division, after hearing representation from you and the principal. A hearing of the Board Student Conduct Committee must be held within ten (10) school days after the first day of suspension of your child: section 37(4) of the Education Act. Accordingly, after discussion with you, we have scheduled for this matter to be dealt with by the Board Student Conduct Committee on _______________, 20___, at ______________a.m./p.m., at _______________________.
If you wish to present any written material to the Board Student Conduct Committee, please provide that material to me two (2) days prior to the scheduled meeting. The principal may, at the same time, provide written material regarding the reason for the suspension and recommendation for expulsion, as well as alternate educational programming available to your child. Any written material provided by you or the principal will be provided by copies to members of the Board Student Conduct Committee, as well to you and the principal at the meeting.
If you have questions about this meeting of the Board Student Conduct Committee, please call me at 403-793-6700.
Sincerely,
Assistant Superintendent
Board Student Conduct Committee Agenda
Welcome and introductions
Superintendent or Designate reviews the agenda and proceedings.
- Explanation of the Board Student Conduct Committee's powers:
- Reinstate student
- Reinstate student with conditions
- Expel student (time, schools, conditions)
- Explanation of the Board Student Conduct Committee's powers:
School administration proceed with written and oral presentation to support expulsion, specifies recommended duration of expulsion and alternative placement options, and specifies recommended interventions or conditions of reinstatement.
Committee members ask questions.
Student and parents/guardian proceed with oral presentation and any written information that would be relevant to the Committee to consider in their decision.
Committee members ask questions.
Superintendent or Designate provides clarification on any alternative educational options presented.
Committee asks for any concluding comments or questions.
Board Student Conduct Committee deliberates in private to make a decision.
Parent/guardian, student and school administration are notified of the Committee's decision by the assistant superintendent by phone and with a formal letter to follow.