Introducing a School Discipline Code (From Crime at School: Seminar Proceedings, 1987, Canberra, Australia, P 43-60, 1987, Dennis Challinger, ed. -- See NCJ-134653)

• NCJ Number: 134657
• Author(s): K Sutherland
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology; National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper deals with the development and introduction of a school discipline code at Belconnen High School in Hawker, Australian Capital Territory.

Abstract

The code was developed in response to a desire by the school community for written guidelines on student discipline and management to promote a positive school tone. The high school's discipline and student management procedures prior to 1986 were a loose collection of largely unwritten rules, procedures, and sanctions which included occasional corporate punishment and other punitive measures. A school community conference recommended that a discipline code be developed to modify antisocial behavior (violence, smoking, drinking, property destruction, prejudice, and abusive language); promote the school's image in a positive way; encourage self-esteem and self-control among students; and foster positive relationships between staff, parents, and students. The code, introduced at the beginning of 1986, is based on the interventionist/interactionist approach and is oriented toward the development of success identity and self-responsibility. It contains student motivational factors, consequences of disruptive behavior, interventions, teacher skills, and parent participation. The code also stipulates the rights and responsibilities of students. Behavior consequences are specified by offense for alcohol, drugs, smoking, behavior on the playground, bullying and victimization, and truancy. Management steps for disruptive students are identified in the code along with time-out rules.