During the 2011-2012 school year, I worked in a local charter school. I served on the discipline committee, but it always seemed to me that the consequences doled out for poor behavior and/or actions were rather arbitrary, despite the 100+ consequences (No joke!) outlined in the student handbook. Perhaps arbitrary isn't the right word. Bendy. Yes, the discipline policy was bendy.
From where I sat, if a student was considered "smart" - as in he/she could score Proficient or Advanced on the MAP test - consquences for crimes committeed didn't seem as harsh as say, for a student who committed the same offense but typically scored Below Basic on the state test.
Case in point: There was 5th grade student who verbally threatened his teacher with violence on more than one occasion. He drew graphic pictures of bad things happening to her. All of his words and actions were well-documented in his file. His parents dismissed the behaior, didn't seem at all concerned at the level of violence, and blamed the teacher. I, along with other members of the disciplinary committee, recommended expulsion.
However, because the student was academically bright, the Dean of Academics was hesitant to remove him. You read that right. The Dean of Acadmeics put test scores and the survival of the charter school above a teacher's safety, not to mention the safety of the other students. Instead, the student was promoted to 6th grade at sememster break. This put him in the middle school building and moved him away from the teacher with whom he was obsessed. In the eyes of administration, the problem was solved.
Here's my question: Do smart students with behavior problems perform well on state tests? Or do their behaviors hinder their success? In other words, is it really worth it for a school to overlook serious behavior issues in its chase to meet AYP? I tried to find research on this topic, but came up empty-handed. Most of the the studies I found focused on gifted children and behavior issues. The students I'm talking about aren't gifted, but possess above-average intelligence.
And taking this a step farther, should students be held to different disciplinary standards based on their academic ability, especially in circumstances that warrant long-term suspensions or expulsions?
What do you think?
Thanks for reading ... it keeps your Mind Full of Literacy!
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4 comments:
It's still occurring this year, too, sadly. There have been students expelled who aren't as bright per say, for behavior issues that may not have been as severe as something a brighter student committed. I don't think it right.
Regardless of academics, discipline policies need consistency in order to be truly effective. There are some exceptions to this rule, but not the way this school is practicing.
Thanks for reading and commenting! It's sad that some schools feel so much pressure to meet AYP that they have to consider such measures.
Hi Mari,
I find it sad that you're still venting about last year instead of moving on. If I've made peace with that student having been moved into my class last year,why can't you? If I am the reason you left last year (as you told the administration), why are you still publicly criticizing the school's policies? Those who can, do. Those who can't, criticize. -Kathy
Kathy, Thanks for reading! I hope you are having a good school year. I would love to hear your professional thoughts on this or any literacy/educational-related topic at any time.
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