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Code of Conduct: T ools for Creating a Positive School Climate

Learn about Baltimore City Schools' Code of Conduct, a national model focused on improving school climate and reducing zero-tolerance policies. Explore the link between suspensions and academic performance and discover successful alternatives to suspensions.

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Code of Conduct: T ools for Creating a Positive School Climate

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  1. Code of Conduct:Tools for Creating a Positive School Climate Karen Webber-Ndour, Executive Director Office of Student Support and Safety October 6, 2014

  2. Baltimore City SchoolsBy the Numbers 2013-14 Student Enrollment: 84,730 total 2014-15 Schools and Programs: 188 total

  3. Baltimore City Schools’ Code of Conduct2014-2015 • Baltimore City Schools’ Code of Conduct is recognized as a national model. • Revisions focused on: • Improving school climate • Reducing zero-tolerance policies • Eliminating soft offenses • Addressing overuse of out-of-school suspensions • The US DOE applauded Baltimore City for our work in these areas. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder visit Frederick Douglass High School (January 2014)

  4. Laying the Groundwork for ChangeStep 1: Focusing on Essential Indicators Suspension Rates Across the District

  5. Laying the Groundwork for ChangeStep 2: Defining School Climate and Providing Climate Training • Targeted ~30 schools per year for 2 years based on their overuse of suspensions • Emphasized that a positive school climate can be intentionally created • Introduced evidence-based alternatives to suspension

  6. Laying the Groundwork for ChangeStep 3: Highlighting the Link Between Suspensions and Academic Performance Reading MATH Students with 0 Suspensions Students with 1 Suspension Students with 2+ Suspensions

  7. The Results:Baltimore City Schools’ Historical Suspension Data NOTE: Counts show total number of out-of-school suspensions in the District based on end of year file. Includes all suspensions and expulsions. SOURCE: Official MSDE files.

  8. Remaining Challenges: Shifting the Mindset Punitive Restorative

  9. Contact Information Karen Webber-Ndour Executive Director, Office of Student Support and Safety Baltimore City Public Schools kndour@bcps.k12.md.us (410) 396-8672 Further information available at: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/climate 2014-2015 Code of Conduct available at: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/Page/25270

  10. APPENDIX

  11. Code of Conduct and Maryland’s Education Reform In July 2014, MSDE released Draft Guidelines for a State Code of Discipline. In it, school districts were provided detailed guidance on how to: • Adopt a rehabilitative approach to school discipline and move away from zero-tolerance policies. • Focus on the connection between school discipline and academic success. • Focus on keeping students in school where they can learn and receive a world class education. SOURCE: Report to the Maryland State Board of Education on the Draft Guidelines for a State Code of Discipline

  12. Baltimore City Schools’Code of Conduct Revision Committee City Schools Representatives Community Representatives Offices of the Chief Academic Officer • Student Support • Suspension Services • Early Learning • Special Education • School Police School Support Network Staff • Facilitators • Student Support Liaisons Office of Engagement District Principals Associated Student Congress of Baltimore City • Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) • Public School Administrators and Supervisors Association (PSASA) • Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) • Open Society Institute • American Civil Liberties Union – Maryland • Maryland Disability Law Center • Advocates for Children and Youth • Community Conferencing • Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network • Family League of Baltimore

  13. Successful Alternatives to Suspensions4 Components

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