Student Right to Fairness

SS 2.1

A student has a right to fairness.

Purpose:

• To insure that decisions that impact the individual, are not arbitrary or capricious, and recognize the uniqueness of each being as loved by God.

• A fair decision is the result of a fair process.  A fair process includes, at a minimum, the following steps:

Commentary/Procedural Points:

• The parent is informed in writing at the earliest reasonable date that the teacher and principal/assistant principal are dissatisfied with specific behaviors.

• This dissatisfaction is put in written form only after the teacher has met with the parent to discuss the child’s behavior.

• The written statement is signed by the teacher, the student, the parent, and the principal/assistant principal.

• The written statement is dated and stipulates a date by which improvement must occur.

• The written statement contains concrete behavior changes, which the student must make.

• The student is given all assistance necessary to rectify his/her behavior from the teacher.

• The parent is advised by the teacher of any additional tutorial work the child might require beyond normal school hours.

• Periodic follow-ups are made between the student and the teacher.

• • • The teacher documents these follow-up meetings in writing to the parent on a regular basis.

• The teacher keeps the principal informed about the student’s progress on a regular basis.

• If the student’s behavior remains unchanged, the parents are again informed, at the earliest reasonable date, by the principal that the student’s behavior is threatening his/her place in the school.

• A document is prepared, signed by all pertinent parties; clearly stipulating what the student must do in order to change behaviors.

• A specific date is indicated for the principal/assistant principal, parents, student and teacher to meet again and assess the student’s behavior.

• The student continues to receive necessary assistance from the teacher.

• The student is informed that he/she will/will not be dismissed.

• This information is given to the parent no later than the end of May

NOTE:  This process does not prevail in “extreme situations” which call for immediate dismissal.  An example of such “extreme situations” would be: (a) bringing a weapon to school (b) aggressive sexual behavior (c) life-threatening behavior (d) possession, distribution of drugs and/or alcohol.  Because it is not possible to list all conceivable “extreme situations,” the principal confers with the appropriate associate superintendent before dismissing the student.

January 12, 2005