IPS changes student discipline policy to promote more equitable treatment for students
The Indianapolis Public Schools Board of Commissioners Tuesday unanimously approved policy changes that aim to make student discipline more equitable for all students.
Tuesday night’s meeting saw the board approve changes to four policies concerning student discipline, seclusion and restraining students, student groups, supplier diversity and the repeal of a “family life education” policy.
The changes are part of the district’s months-long process that began late last year to reevaluate its policies to ensure schools treat students of all racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds equitably.
Student discipline
The board added language to its policy about disciplining students. The new wording encourages educators to integrate “restorative practices” into their daily classroom environment as an alternative to traditional discipline. Restorative justice entails focusing on repairing the harm done to individuals or a community, according to the Restorative Justice Council.
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Additional language says that teachers and principals should strengthen their communication with parents and guardians, especially those from diverse backgrounds and make sure they understand student’s cultural backgrounds to ensure appropriate support is given.
Seclusion and restraint of students
The board policy on the use of seclusion or restraint of a student now includes language that says parents should be involved any time restraint or seclusion is used. This includes notifying the guardian or parents by the end of the school day.
The new language also says that immediately after the student calms down after the use of seclusion or restraint, a staff member not involved in the incident will examine the student to identify if the child sustained any injuries.
All incidents involving restraint or seclusion must be documented and the information provided to the parent or guardian in a timely manner, including reasons for the use of seclusion or restraint, the new policy language says.
The district will also submit an annual report of incidents involving seclusion or restraint, including their nature and frequency, to the school board.
All administrators, special education teachers and school-based-crisis teams must do training on verbal and physical de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution strategies, the new language says.
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Student groups
New language added to the policy concerning student groups or clubs says that administrative guidelines will be developed to "provide clear, written criteria for the approval of student groups."
There will also be a formal appeal process created for any group that is denied, the policy says.
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During Tuesday night's meeting, the board also approved the hiring of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department commander Ida Williams to be the district's new director of safety and security, a new position for IPS.
Williams will be in charge of developing and implementing the district's safety protocols and will work with IPS police, Unified Student Supports, the facilities management department, the Title IX office and the district's general counsel.
Contact IndyStar reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @CarolineB_Indy.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IPS changes student discipline policy to promote more equity
