5:230 Professional Personnel- Maintaining Student Discipline

Maintaining Student Discipline

Maintaining an orderly learning environment is an essential part of each teacher’s instructional responsibilities. A teacher’s ability to foster appropriate student behavior is an important factor in the teacher’s educational effectiveness. The Superintendent shall ensure that all teachers, other certificated [licensed] educational employees (except for individuals employed as paraprofessional educators), and persons providing a student’s related service(s): (1) maintain discipline in the schools as required in the School Code, and (2) follow the School Board policies and administrative procedures on student conduct, behavior, and discipline.

When a student’s behavior is unacceptable, the teacher should first discuss the matter with the student, if appropriate. If the unacceptable behavior continues, the teacher should consult with the Building Principal and/or discuss the problem with the parent(s)/guardian(s). A teacher may remove any student from the learning setting whose behavior interferes with the lessons or participation of fellow students. A student’s removal must be in accordance with Board policy and administrative procedures.

Teachers shall not use disciplinary methods that may be damaging to students, such as ridicule, sarcasm, or excessive temper displays. Corporal punishment (including slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of a student in physically painful positions, and intentional infliction of bodily harm) may not be used. Teachers may use reasonable force as needed to keep students, school personnel, and others safe, or for self-defense or defense of property.

LEGAL REF.:        105 ILCS 5/24-24.

23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.280.

CROSS REF.:         2:150 (Committees), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities)

Last PRESS Update: June 2023

First Read: September 13, 2023

Adopted: October 11, 2023