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Major changes in the works for MCAS handbook
By Amanda Jacobson
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 5:09 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — Michigan City Area Schools students and parents may soon see changes to expectations regarding behavior and conduct.
The MCAS board discussed major changes Tuesday night to its Student/Parent Handbook & Code of Responsible Behavior.
A presentation by Assistant Superintendent Carla Iacona laid out the specific actions taken by her committee to revise a more than six-year-old handbook regarding student and parent conduct on school premises.
Changes made to the handbook reflected the new systems of Positive Behavior Support and Response to Instruction – two research-based processes linked to academic and behavioral success – which the schools are now implementing.
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Iacona said the committee determined the old code was not student- or parent-friendly and did not agree with the positive approach to behavioral conduct that PBS and RTI aim to achieve.
The code now contains more action-specific levels of behavioral offenses, including three categories of actions that are considered irresponsible on the student’s behalf.
Level One behaviors, for example, include anything from academic dishonesty to littering, and can be dealt with by one or a combination of responses.
The committee stressed that any violation of school behavioral code first will be dealt with by informing the student of his/her violation. Based on the student response, a decision will be made by the faculty on how to proceed with consequences of the action based on an outline in the handbook.
Definitions of different types of behavior such as arson, extortion and battery were streamlined in the new version presented to the board to be more easily interpreted by students and parents.
Iacona set a goal for the handbook to be finalized and approved by June 28 so students and parents can receive copies at class registration in August.
Committee member and Niemann Elementary faculty member Marsha Tappan said Niemann students have responded well to the PBS system, and feels it encourages peer support systems in elementary and secondary school. She feels the newly revised handbook will help increase the success of those students already working with PBS.
“It is a very proactive, positive framework and approach to behavior and discipline rather than a punitive approach,” Tappan said.
Tappan said when students comply with the PBS approach and new code, they receive extra computer time, small rewards like pencils or stickers, or other special recognition to encourage consistently good behavior.
At the high school level, Pam Upp of Michigan City High School explained the need for parents to remain informed about their students’ academic progress reports, grades and attendance.
Upp also noted additions to the handbook such as parent teacher conference information and regulations for social events like school dances.
Board Member Beth Pishkur questioned the policy regarding cell phone usage in area schools, and saw room for improvement in the code’s language, which she said was vague and somewhat confusing.
Another comment from Board Member Beryle Burgwald addressed that consequences for behavioral problems could be misinterpreted or even downplayed by faculty in cases of serious, Level 3 offenses according to the language of the new code.
Iacona said teachers must use their own discretion when responding to a student’s infraction and determine appropriate consequences based on the disciplinary guidelines the new code provides.
Some highlights of the new code are an Alternative to Expulsion program at MCHS, a more closely monitored emergency closings system for the MCAS Transportation Department and a greater emphasis on the Dress for Success dress code program for all school levels.
The new code of student and parent behavior will not receive a vote until the board’s next meeting on June 28.
Other items on the board’s agenda included the ratification of the contract with Michigan City Classified Association, which represents bus drivers and maintenance and food service staff.
The contract will provide MCCA members with paid time off, longevity pay and a quicker way to investigate work-related issues.
The board unanimously approved the contract. Also unanimously approved was the adoption of textbooks for science, math and health departments of MCAS.
By Amanda Jacobson
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 5:09 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — Michigan City Area Schools students and parents may soon see changes to expectations regarding behavior and conduct.
The MCAS board discussed major changes Tuesday night to its Student/Parent Handbook & Code of Responsible Behavior.
A presentation by Assistant Superintendent Carla Iacona laid out the specific actions taken by her committee to revise a more than six-year-old handbook regarding student and parent conduct on school premises.
Changes made to the handbook reflected the new systems of Positive Behavior Support and Response to Instruction – two research-based processes linked to academic and behavioral success – which the schools are now implementing.
*
Iacona said the committee determined the old code was not student- or parent-friendly and did not agree with the positive approach to behavioral conduct that PBS and RTI aim to achieve.
The code now contains more action-specific levels of behavioral offenses, including three categories of actions that are considered irresponsible on the student’s behalf.
Level One behaviors, for example, include anything from academic dishonesty to littering, and can be dealt with by one or a combination of responses.
The committee stressed that any violation of school behavioral code first will be dealt with by informing the student of his/her violation. Based on the student response, a decision will be made by the faculty on how to proceed with consequences of the action based on an outline in the handbook.
Definitions of different types of behavior such as arson, extortion and battery were streamlined in the new version presented to the board to be more easily interpreted by students and parents.
Iacona set a goal for the handbook to be finalized and approved by June 28 so students and parents can receive copies at class registration in August.
Committee member and Niemann Elementary faculty member Marsha Tappan said Niemann students have responded well to the PBS system, and feels it encourages peer support systems in elementary and secondary school. She feels the newly revised handbook will help increase the success of those students already working with PBS.
“It is a very proactive, positive framework and approach to behavior and discipline rather than a punitive approach,” Tappan said.
Tappan said when students comply with the PBS approach and new code, they receive extra computer time, small rewards like pencils or stickers, or other special recognition to encourage consistently good behavior.
At the high school level, Pam Upp of Michigan City High School explained the need for parents to remain informed about their students’ academic progress reports, grades and attendance.
Upp also noted additions to the handbook such as parent teacher conference information and regulations for social events like school dances.
Board Member Beth Pishkur questioned the policy regarding cell phone usage in area schools, and saw room for improvement in the code’s language, which she said was vague and somewhat confusing.
Another comment from Board Member Beryle Burgwald addressed that consequences for behavioral problems could be misinterpreted or even downplayed by faculty in cases of serious, Level 3 offenses according to the language of the new code.
Iacona said teachers must use their own discretion when responding to a student’s infraction and determine appropriate consequences based on the disciplinary guidelines the new code provides.
Some highlights of the new code are an Alternative to Expulsion program at MCHS, a more closely monitored emergency closings system for the MCAS Transportation Department and a greater emphasis on the Dress for Success dress code program for all school levels.
The new code of student and parent behavior will not receive a vote until the board’s next meeting on June 28.
Other items on the board’s agenda included the ratification of the contract with Michigan City Classified Association, which represents bus drivers and maintenance and food service staff.
The contract will provide MCCA members with paid time off, longevity pay and a quicker way to investigate work-related issues.
The board unanimously approved the contract. Also unanimously approved was the adoption of textbooks for science, math and health departments of MCAS.