NCJ Number
197909
Date Published
September 1995
Length
203 pages
Annotation
This document aims to assist school administrators in promoting and maintaining a safe learning environment in the public schools of Dade County, Florida.
Abstract
The first chapter, entitled "Discipline and the Law," states that "By law, students are under the direction of the principal during the time they are physically at school, during the time they are being transported to and from school at public expense, and during school sponsored activities." This chapter specifies the responsibility and authority of the principal to maintain adequate discipline on the school premises to ensure the safety of all persons and property and the orderly advance of the educational process. Also explained are the responsibility and authority of the teacher, the responsibility of the parent for student behavior and attendance, and the liability of a teacher or principal regarding the control, discipline, suspension, and expulsion of students. The second chapter addresses the reporting of crime and disruptive behavior by employees of the Dade County public school system. These employees are required to report to the responsible administrator or designee any criminal act or other disruptive behavior that occurs on school board property. Chapter three provides mandates and guidelines for student and community participation in school safety endeavors. Attention is given to student committees and their responsibilities for improving student behavior, fostering better human relations within the school and community, and resolving student concerns. The responsibilities of parent organizations are also outlined. The core of this document is presented in the fourth chapter, which contains 36 guidelines for dealing with various threats to school safety and order. Among the issues addressed are a school security plan, law enforcement officers on campus, child abuse, search and seizure, alternatives to suspension, preliminary investigation by administration, continuous disruptive behavior, the discipline of students with disabilities, student dress, dropout prevention, suicide prevention, procedures following a report of sexual battery/abuse of a student, crisis intervention, and harassment. Appended supplementary information on procedures for dealing with various safety and security matters