SCHOOL DISCIPLINE REQUIRES FLEXIBILITY

On paper, "zero-tolerance" policies to curb unruly conduct in schools
sound appealing. Just set out clear, uncompromising penalties for bad
behaviour and students will fall into line -- or face the
consequences.

In practice, however, such policies are often blunt instruments that
fail to take into account individual circumstances that may mitigate
against harsh punishment. They also impose one-size-fits-all
consequences, and remove from teachers and principals the opportunity
to find more creative and effective ways to deal with individual rule
breakers.

Since the Safe Schools Act was introduced in the year 2000 by the
former Conservative government, Ontario has grappled with these
problems, and more. Troubling questions have been raised about how the
law, which imposes mandatory suspensions for offences ranging from
swearing at a teacher to drug trafficking, is being applied to
students with disabilities and to visible minorities. Wide variations
in rates of suspensions and expulsions across school boards have given
credence to claims that the policy is sometimes being exercised unfairly.

That is why Queen's Park should give serious study to a new report
that urges the government to allow more flexibility to the policy,
which aims to crack down on violence and disrespect in schools. The
recommendations, developed after province-wide consultations with
parents, students, teachers and community members, provide a sensible
blueprint for balancing the pressing need to keep our schools safe and
the interest of society as a whole to educate all students, no matter
how troublesome.

Few would argue with the intent of the safe schools legislation.
Threats, intimidation and violence have no place in the classroom.
Students who bring weapons to school or harm others should always be
dealt with severely. And schools should have strong tools at their
disposal to address a rising tide of insolence and disrespect among
young people.

But the reality is that the current policy gets rid of difficult
students without dealing with their problems. That's why the report
says schools should be less quick to suspend and expel students who
break the rules.

Under the current policy, which requires suspensions or expulsions for
certain offences, principals have limited discretion when it comes to
meting out punishment. The report urges schools to implement instead a
range of consequences, and take into account all mitigating factors,
including age, family situation, language comprehension and special
needs.

Expulsions should be used only as a last resort, it adds. And students
who have been expelled or given long-term suspensions should be
offered alternative programs, while short suspensions should be served
in school.

Headed by Liberal MPP Liz Sandals, the review committee also says
schools should put more emphasis on preventive strategies such as
anti-bullying initiatives, leadership programs and conflict resolution.

These are sound strategies that will help principals and teachers
discipline unruly students in a fairer and more even-handed way.
Having tried the law-and-order approach, many Ontarians are now ready
for the pendulum to swing back toward the middle. Education Minister
Sandra Pupatello should implement the proposals before the next school
year.

But schools cannot do everything. Seeds of bad behaviour are sown long
before a child becomes a discipline problem at school. That's why
parents and communities must also play their part by setting higher
expectations and better examples so children don't get into trouble in
the first place.