Current School Bus Route Information and School Closures

FILE: CBD

DOCUMENTATION OF INCIDENTS

It is essential that schools initiate a system for referrals as part of the progressive discipline plan so that all misbehaviours are recorded for future reference. Since repeated misbehaviour may eventually require the involvement of either the superintendent or school board and since the decisions made may have legal implications, it is crucial to have accurate records of all misbehaviours and the disciplinary measures taken.

Documentation is also important in order to provide proper intervention strategies and to ensure the safety of staff and students.

When documenting incidents of misbehaviour, it is imperative that the principles of basic justice be adhered to so that the student receives the benefits of procedural fairness. Documentation guidelines are as follows:

1. As early as possible, identify students with a propensity for repeated and/or escalating misbehaviours. There must be reasonable and just cause for such an identification.

2. Document incidents for each student using objective language. Documentation must refer to the facts and should not include personal opinions or draw conclusions.

3. Document the strategies used to deal with each incident.

4. Document the intervention strategies employed to prevent further incidents.

5. As much as possible, develop intervention strategies in cooperation with the community; i.e. parents, C.F.S., police, religious affiliations, or other individuals/organizations of significance to the student(s).

6. Document behavioural responses of the student(s) during the implementation of the intervention strategies.

7. Maintain minutes of all meetings and document telephone conversations.

As the student moves through the progressive discipline plan, the documented evidence must demonstrate that the actions taken are reasonable and justifiable for the student while ensuring the safety of others.

Adopted: August 26, 1993

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