Adopted:          07/21/2008

                                                                                                                      443 -Rule

School District of Prairie Farm

Prairie Farm School District Code of Conduct

1. What Are the Grounds for Disciplinary Removal from Class?

A student in grades Pre K–12 may be removed from class for conduct or behavior which

(a) violates the District’s policies regarding suspension or expulsion; (b) violates the behavior rules and expectations set forth in the Student Handbook; (c) is disruptive, dangerous or unruly; (d) otherwise interferes with the ability of the teacher to teach effectively; or (e) is incompatible with effective teaching and learning in the class.

Removal is a serious measure, and should not be imposed in an arbitrary, casual or inconsistent manner. Behavioral expectations are always more constructive and more likely to be followed, where their terms are communicated as clearly as possible to the students and staff. However, it is neither possible nor necessary to specify every type of improper or inappropriate behavior, or every inappropriate circumstance, that would justify removal under this Code. A teacher’s primary responsibility is to maintain an appropriate educational environment for the class as a whole. Therefore, notwithstanding the provisions of this Code, in every circumstance the teacher should exercise his or her best judgment in deciding whether it is appropriate to remove a student temporarily from class. This Code does not prohibit the teacher who removed the pupil from the class or the school board, school district administrator, principal or their designees from disciplining the pupil.

In ordinary circumstances and in practical terms, a teacher’s decision to remove a student temporarily from class will stand. However, there may be circumstances when the building administrator may, exercising his or her discretion, overrule the teacher’s decision to remove the student, and return the student to class.

a.  Behavior that violates the District’s policies on suspension and expulsion

The District’s Policies regarding suspension and expulsion are set forth in Board policy 447.3. It should be noted that decisions regarding suspension are made by the building administrators, and recommendations for expulsion are made by the District’s central administration. Thus, a teacher’s decision to remove a student from class for behavior that violates the District’s policies regarding suspension and expulsion may, but does not necessarily, mean that student will also be suspended or expelled.

b) Behavior that violates the behavioral rules and expectations of the Student

Handbook

The Student Handbook contains behavioral expectations for the individual schools in the District. These rules and expectations are generally explained and discussed with the students near the beginning of each school year. Such discussions should include an explanation of the Code, and the District’s policy regarding removal.

Teachers are responsible for informing students of the expected behavior in their individual classrooms. They should also inform the students of the criteria that will be considered when removing a student from class. For example, will a student be removed the first time they talk out of turn in class, or the first time they disrupt the class? Will some behaviors automatically result in removal from class? In other words, the teacher must explain how the behavior provisions of this Code will be implemented in their individual classroom.

c) Behavior which is disruptive, dangerous or unruly

Notwithstanding any inconsistent or contrary provisions in the District’s policies regarding suspension or expulsion, or in the Student Handbook, for the purpose of this Code the following behavior, by way of example and without limitation, may be determined to be disruptive, dangerous or unruly so as to warrant removal from class:

Inappropriate physical contact intended to hurt, distract or annoy others, such as hitting, biting, pushing, shoving, poking or grabbing.

Inappropriate verbal conduct intended to or likely to upset, distract or annoy others, such as name calling, teasing or baiting.

Behavior that may constitute sexual or other harassment.

Repeated or extreme inappropriate verbal conduct likely to disrupt the educational environment, particularly when others are talking (e.g. lecture by teacher, response by other student, presentation by visitor) or during quiet (study) time.

Throwing any object, particularly one likely to cause harm or damage, such as books, pencils, scissors, etc.

Inciting other students to act inappropriately or to disobey the teacher or school or class rules, including without limitation, inciting others to walk out.

Destroying the property of the school or another student.

Loud, obnoxious or outrageous behavior.

d) Behavior which interferes with the ability of the teachers to teach effectively

Students are required to cooperate with the teacher by listening attentively, obeying all instructions promptly and responding appropriately when called upon. A student’s non-compliance may, in turn, distract others either by setting a bad example or by diverting the class from the lesson to the student’s inappropriate behavior. By way of example and without limitation, a student may be removed for behavior which constitutes:

Open defiance of the teacher, manifest in words, gestures or other overt behavior.

Open disrespect of the teacher, manifest in words, gestures, or other overt behavior.

Other behavior likely or intended to sabotage or undermine the instruction.

e) Behavior which is inconsistent with class decorum and the ability of others to learn.

In addition, there may be grounds for removal for behavior, which, though not necessarily violative of the provisions of (a) through (d) [above], is inconsistent with basic classroom decorum. Such behavior may, in the determination of the teacher, warrant removal because of its interference with the ability of others to learn effectively.

2. Other Reasons For Removal Of A Student From Class

In some cases, a teacher may believe that a student should be removed from the class for the good of the student and in the best interest of the class as a whole. Such reasons may include, for purposes of illustration and without limitation; differences or issues between the student and other students or between the student and the teacher.

3. Who May Remove A Student From Class?

Any student may be temporarily removed from a class under this Code by a teacher of that class. For the purpose of this Code, “student” means any student enrolled in the District, exchange students, or student visitor to the District’s schools.

Any student may be removed on a long term basis from a class based upon the request of a teacher as upheld and implemented in the discretion of the PreK-12 Principal.

For the purposes of this Code, a “class” is any class meeting or activity which students attend, or in which they participate while in school under the control or direction of the District. This definition of “class” includes, without limitation, regular classes, special classes, study hall sessions, labs, LMC time, counseling groups.

A “teacher” is any certified instructor, counselor, nurse or administrator in the employ of the District. Teachers will also take into consideration and possibly use the recommendation of classroom aides, proctor, monitors or group leaders.

A “teacher of that class” means the regularly assigned teacher of the class, or any teacher, including substitute teachers, assigned to teach, monitor, assist in or oversee the class. Where there is more than one teacher in a class, any teacher may remove a student from that class, upon informing the other teacher(s) of his or her intent to do so. It is advisable, though not absolutely required, that all teachers of a class assent to the removal of a student.

A “PreK-12 Principal” means the principal of the school, or other individual duly designated by the District Administrator.

4. What Procedures Must Be Followed In Temporarily removing a Student from class?

Except where the behavior is extreme, a teacher should generally warn a student that continued misbehavior may lead to temporary removal from class. When the teacher determines that removal is appropriate, the teacher should take one of the following courses of action:

a) instruct the student to go to the main office for the period of removal.

b) obtain coverage for the class and escort the student to the main office.

c) seek assistance from the main office or other available staff. When assistance arrives, the teacher or the other adult should accompany the student to the main office.

When the student arrives at the main office, the PreK-12 Principal or designee should give the student an opportunity to briefly explain the situation. If the PreK-12 Principal or designee is not available immediately upon the student’s arrival, the student should be taken to the designated removal area, and the PreK-12 Principal or designee should speak to the student as soon as practicable thereafter. For the purposes of short-term removal, it is not necessary to obtain witnesses or to otherwise verify the student’s or teacher’s accounts of the situation.

By the end of the school day during which the student was removed, the teacher shall submit to the PreK-12 Principal or designee a short and concise written explanation of the basis for the removal. Such information may be submitted on a form provided by the building administrator or designee.

The teacher must inform the student’s parents that the student was removed from class. Such notice may be made by telephone. The parents of the student must be sent written notice of the removal by the teacher. Such written notice shall specify the class from which the student was removed, the duration of the removal, and the basis for the removal as stated by the teacher. The teacher shall keep written logs or records regarding unsuccessful attempts to contact the parents in accordance with this provision. At the elementary level if a student is sent to the office with a disciplinary slip the procedures outlined in this policy will be implemented.

5. Where Shall Students Be Sent Pending And During Short Term Removal From class?

Annually, the PreK-12 Principal shall designate a “short term removal” area where students shall remain during any period of removal covered by this policy.

Students who are removed by their teachers must immediately and directly go to, or be taken, to the main office. For the duration of the removal, the student shall stay in the short-term removal area. In the discretion of the PreK-12 Principal or designee, the student may instead be sent to another appropriate class, program or educational setting, provided the student is supervised in such alternative settings.  The building administrator should also take steps to ensure that the students are supervised while in the short-term removal area. In general, students should be required to do work of an academic nature while in the short-term removal area.  Such work should ordinarily be related to the work in the class from which the student was removed, or may be related to the student’s misconduct (e.g. writing an apology or account of the situation). In no event should the student’s time in the removal area be recreation or other free time.

6. How Long Should A Short Term Removal Last?

Removal is a serious matter, and should not be taken lightly either by the teacher or the student. In most cases, a student shall remain in the short-term removal area for at least the duration of the class or activity from which she or he was removed. Prior to allowing the student to resume her/his normal schedule, the PreK-12 Principal or designee shall speak to the student to determine whether the student is, or appears to be, ready and able to return to class without a recurrence of the behavior for which the student was removed. In the event it is not deemed appropriate to return the student to regular classes, the PreK-12 Principal or designee shall either retain the student in short term removal, or, where necessary, appropriate and practicable, shall take steps to have the student sent home.

7. What Are The Procedures For Long Term Removal?

Long term removal is an extremely serious step, which should not be undertaken hastily or for less than compelling reasons. Such a step could have profound consequences for the affected student and his or her class, as well as any new class or teacher to which the student may then be assigned. For these reasons, long term removal should not ordinarily be considered or implemented except after a thorough consultation, including a thorough consideration of alternatives between the teacher(s) and the building principal or designee. For the same reasons, long-term removal should not ordinarily be considered on the basis of a single incident. Unlike short-term removal, the ultimate decision regarding long term removal rests with the PreK-12 Principal. 

When a teacher believes that the best interests of the student and/or the class require long-term removal, the teacher should so notify the building administrator in writing.  Such statement should set forth as clearly and completely as possible (a) the basis for the removal request; (b) the alternatives, approaches and other steps taken to avoid the need for the removal; (c) the impact, positive and negative, on the removed student; and (d) the impact, positive and negative, on the rest of the class. 

Upon receipt of such statement, the building administrator may, in her/his discretion, consult with the teacher and/or District staff. In most cases, it is appropriate to inform and consult with the parents of the student, and the student, involved in the request for long term removal. 

Following consideration of the teacher’s statement and any other information, the PreK-12 Principal shall, in his/her discretion, take one of the following steps:

a) place the student in an alternative education program as defined by law;

b) place the student in another class in the school, or in another appropriate place

in the school;

c) place the student in another instructional setting;

d) return the student to, or retain the student in, the class from which she or he

was removed and proposed to be removed.

In any event, a student in a long-term removal must continue to receive an educational program and services comparable to, though not necessarily identical with, those of the class from which he/she was removed. Such program need not be in the precise academic subject matter of the student’s former class.

Long term removal is an administrative decision not subject to a formal right of appeal. However, the parents of the student, along with the student, shall have the right to meet with the building administrator and the teacher(s) who made the request for removal. Where possible, such a meeting shall take place within three (3) business days of the request for a meeting. At the meeting, the building administrator shall inform the parents and/or student as fully as possible regarding the basis for the removal, the alternatives considered, and the basis for any decision. However, nothing in this Code shall prevent the building administrator from implementing a removal to another class, placement or setting prior to any meeting, and not withstanding the objection of the parent(s) or student.

8. To What Extent Is Removal Applicable to Students Identified As Disabled Under the

IDEA?

Some different rules and considerations apply for students identified as requiring special education services under the IDEA or Section 504. In particular, placement for such students is a decision of the student’s IEP team, subject to stringent procedural, safeguards, and cannot be made unilaterally by teachers or the administration. In addition, most students covered by the IDEA should have a behavior plan, which will address (a) whether and to what extent the student should be expected to conform to behavioral requirements applicable to non-disabled students; and (b) alternative consequences or procedures for addressing behavioral issues. It is highly advisable that all IEP teams address these issues, and this Code, at least annually, setting forth the consensus of the IEP team regarding behavioral expectations and consequences.

Notwithstanding these issues, students identified as requiring special education services under the IDEA or Section 504 may, in general, be temporarily removed from class under the same terms and conditions as non-disabled students.

For the reasons noted above, no change in placement for more than ten (10) school days may be made for a student with disabilities outside the IEP process. This ten (10) day limit applies to out of school suspensions as well as days of removal.

9. How Will This Code Be Communicated To Parents And Students?

A summary of this code will be provided to and discussed with, students prior to September 15 of each school year.

Teachers are responsible for informing students of the expected behavior in their classroom. This should be done in the first few days of the school year. They should also inform the students of the criteria that will be considered when removing a student from that class.

Cross Ref.:       443, Classroom Behavior