VOLUNTARYRESOLUTIONAGREEMENT

CHRISTIANCOUNTYPUBLICSCHOOLSOCRCASENO.03-11-5002

TheU.S.DepartmentofEducation,Officefor Civil Rights(OCR)initiated acompliancereviewoftheChristian CountyPublicSchools(theDistrict)in ordertoinvestigatewhethertheDistricthassubjectedAfricanAmerican studentstodiscriminationonthebasisof racebydiscipliningthemmorefrequentlyandmore harshly thansimilarlysituatedWhite students.TitleVIofthe CivilRightsActof1964,42,U.S.C.§2000detseq., anditsimplementingregulation at34 C.F.R.pt.100provide,inrelevantpart,thatnoprogramoractivityreceivingFederalfinancialassistancefromtheDepartmentofEducationmaydiscriminateonthebasisof race ornationalorigin.TheDistrictissubjecttoTitleVIbecause it receivesFederalfinancialassistancefromtheDepartmentof Education.Pursuantto ArticleIII andArticle IV, Section302ofthe OCRCase ProcessingManual,OCRhasthe authoritytoresolvethiscompliancereviewbymeansofa resolutionagreementbeforetheconclusionoftheinvestigation whentherecipient expressesaninterest insuch aresolution.Priorto the completionofOCR’sinvestigation theDistrictexpresseditsdesiretoresolvethiscase.

Withoutadmittingtoany violationoflaw,theDistrictvoluntarilyagreestothe termsofthisAgreement andagreesto complyfullywith itsprovisions.In consideration forthecommitmentsmadehereinbytheDistrict, OCRagreestorefrainfromfurtherpursuingthe investigationofthiscompliancereview. ThiscommitmentdoesnotrelievetheDistrictfromfulfillingitsotherobligationsunderTitle VIor resolve anyotherindividualorclasscomplaintagainstthe Districtunder TitleVI.

GENERALPRINCIPLES

The goal oftheDistrictistoensurethatallDistrictstudentsareprovidedschoolsthat aresafeandthatcreateanenvironmentthat isconducive tolearning.Thefair andappropriateimplementationof studentdisciplinepoliciesgroundedinresearch-basedevidenceisonemeansof attainingthis objective.Inaddition, it is critical thatstudents learnandare reinforcedinappropriatebehaviorsothattheyareengagedintheDistrict’seducationprogram,ratherthan itsdisciplinarysystem.TheDistrictiscommittedtoensuringtothemaximum extentpracticablethatmisbehaviorisaddressed inamannerthatdoesnotrequireremovalfromthe educationalprograminall casesexceptthose wherethesafetyof studentsand/orstaffisthreatened,and/orthebehavior inquestionis suchthatthedisruptiontotheeducationalenvironment canonlyberemediedbysuch areferral,orasrequiredby law.

SUBSTANTIVEPROVISIONS

A.CollaborationwithConsultant

TheDistrict will enterinto anagreementwitha consultant (suchastheSoutheasternEquityCenter,oranother similar agency)to examine andaddressthe rootcause(s)of thedisparity initsdisciplinepolicies,proceduresandpracticesandmakerecommendationstothedistricttoaddressthem.Theconsultant will,amongotherthings:reviewDistrict disciplinarypolicies;conductalongitudinalstudyofdisciplinedatacollaborativelywiththeDistrict;disaggregatedisciplinarydata infocusareasselected incollaborationwiththeDistrict; andprovidetechnicalassistancetotheDistricton makingeffectiveuseof annualclimate surveys.Withinputfromtheconsultant,theDistrictwill reviewandmodify,subjecttothe reviewandapprovalofOCR,itsdisciplinepolicies,proceduresand practicescurrentlyineffectto reform those that result in discriminatory referrals, suspensions, expulsion, and/or arrests of students, and/or are discriminatory in application or in effect.

REPORTINGREQUIREMENT

  • By March 1, 2014,theDistrict willprovideOCRwithacopyoftheagreementwith theconsultantpursuanttoSectionA.

B.PreventativeStrategies,EarlyIdentificationofAt-RiskStudentsandEarlyIntervention

In collaboration withtheconsultant,theDistrict willdevelopandimplement strategiesforteaching,encouragingand reinforcingpositivestudentbehaviorthat donot requireengagementwith thedisciplinesystem.Suchstrategieswill include,without limitation, thefollowing:

1.ClassroomManagementand BehaviorSupportforStaff

TheDistrict will implement arequirementthat schoolstaffattempt arangeofcorrectivemeasuresbeforereferringastudenttodisciplinaryauthoritiesand/orlawenforcementunlessthesafetyof studentsand/orstaff isthreatened,thebehavior inquestionissuchthatthedisruptiontothe educational environmentcanonlybe reasonablyremediedbysuchareferral,orthe referralisrequiredbylaw.TheDistrictwillofferannualtrainingtoallstaff withintheDistrictonclassroom managementtechniques, such as the Promoting Positive Behavior in the Classroom training that the District began requiring for all District staff in May of 2013.(SeeSectionF.1.)Inaddition,theDistrictwillensurethatschool staffcontinueto haveavailabletothem appropriateresourcesand support inorderto provideeffectiveclassroommanagement.

2.RewardingPositiveBehavior

TheDistrictwillhaveinplaceateveryschoolasystemforpositivelyandappropriatelyencouragingandreinforcingappropriate studentbehavior, which the District is currently providing by the (1) development and implementation of a District RTI program, (2) the requirement that each school within the District develop and implement its own RTI program, (3) the hiring of 16 Instructional Behavior Coaches (newly created position), (4) the hiring of hiring of three additional social workers, and (5) the inclusion of appropriate requirements and goals within the current Comprehensive District Improvement Plan.TheDistrictwill offerannualtrainingtoallstaffwithinthe Districtonrewardingpositive behavior, such as that included in the Promoting Positive Behavior in the Classroom training that the District began requiring for all staff in May of 2013.(SeeSectionF.1.)

3.SupportsforStrugglingStudents

If,afterthecorrectivemeasuresrequiredbySectionB.1abovehavebeenfullyimplemented,astudentis referredfordisciplinemorethan once inaschool yearforbehaviorthatdisruptstheir educationand/ortheeducationofotherstudents,theDistrictwill provideone or moreofthefollowingschool-basedsupportsto assistthestudent. Thesesupportsmayinclude,butneednotbelimitedto,thefollowing:

a.Adultin-schoolmentoring;

b.Peerin-schoolmentoring;

c.Accessto guidancecounselors, studentsupportstaff,social workersor studentadvocatesasappropriate;

d.Involvementofparentsin thedisciplineprocess;

e.Thedevelopmentandimplementationof abehaviorsupportplan;

f.Assistancewithlearningappropriatebehavioranddevelopingself-managementskills; and

g.Referralforeducationalservices,whereindicatedandappropriate.

TheDistrictwill offer annualtrainingtoall staffwithintheDistrictonprovidingsupportsforstrugglingstudents, such as that included in the Promoting Positive Behavior in the Classroom training that the District began requiring for all staff in May of 2013.(See SectionF.1.)

REPORTINGREQUIREMENT

  • By July 1, 2014,andannuallythereafteruntilOCRclosesthe monitoringofthisAgreement,theDistrictwillsubmit areport withsupportingdocumentationdemonstratingitsfullimplementationof Section B.

C.ReviewandRevisionoftheDistrict’sDisciplinePolicies,Procedures,andPractices

1.In collaboration withtheconsultant,theDistrict willanalyzeits2011-2012and2012-2013disciplinedata byrace/ethnicity.Basedonthisanalysis,theDistrictwill workincollaborationwiththe consultanttoidentifyanypossibleimprovementsorrevisionstoexistingdisciplinarypoliciesand proceduresinthefollowingareas:

a.Referralsfordiscipline;

b.Help/SAFEassignments;

c.IsolatedClassroomEnvironment(ICE)assignments;

d.Out-of-school suspensions(OSS);and

e.Referralstolawenforcement.

2.TheDistrictwillreviseandsubmittoOCRforreviewandcommentitsstudentdisciplinepoliciesasnecessary tofulfillthepurposes ofthisAgreement.Indoingso,theDistrict willtakeintoaccountthoseproposedrevisionsdevelopedwiththeassistanceofthe consultant,aswellasanyrecommendationsorsuggestionsmadebystudents(includingthroughschoolclimatesurveysorstudent forumsreferencedherein),faculty/staff, and parents.TheDistrict will ensurethatitsstudentdisciplinepoliciesare writtenandorganizedin such awaythattheyareeasilyunderstoodbystudents,faculty/staff,andparents.

3.Therevisedstudentdisciplinepolicieswillrequirethatdisciplinaryauthoritiesconsideralternativestoexpulsion, suspensionorothersanctionsthatrequire removalfromtheeducationsetting, except when applicable state or federal law would require otherwise.

4.OCRwillnotifytheDistrict whenithascompleted itsreviewoftherevisedstudentdisciplinepolicies.Within90daysofOCR’sreview, theDistrictwillpublish the studentdisciplinepoliciesintheform of arevisedCodeofAcceptableBehavior (theCode). TheDistrict willtakestepstoensurethatthe revised student disciplinepoliciesaredisseminatedinatimelymannerto allDistrictstudents, parentsandstaff,and areposted in aprominentlocationontheDistrict’swebsiteand ineachDistrictschool.

In addition,within45daysof OCR’sreview,theDistrict willensurethattherevisedstudentdisciplinepoliciesaretranslatedintoanyhigh-incidence languageswithintheDistrict.

REPORTINGREQUIREMENTS

  • ByJuly 1,2014,theDistrict willforwardtheresultsof its2013-14schoolyear datareviewandtheproposedrevisionstodisciplinepolicies(includingrecommendationsreceivedfromstudents,faculty/staffand parents)developedpursuanttoSectionC.1 toOCRforreview.
  • ByJuly 1, 2014,theDistrictwill forward a copyofitspublicationofthereviseddisciplinepolicies,includinganytranslation(s)thereof,toOCR.
  • ByJuly 1, 2015,theDistrict will forwardtheresultsof its2014-15schoolyear datareviewandtheproposedrevisionstodisciplinepolicies(includingrecommendationsreceivedfromstudents,faculty/staffand parents)developedpursuanttoSectionC.1toOCRfor review.

D.DisciplineSupervisor

  1. By April 12014,theDistrict willdesignateanemployeetoserveastheDistrict’sDisciplineSupervisor,andwillpublishthisindividual’s name and/ortitle,officeaddress,e-mail addressandtelephonenumber onitswebsite, inallschoolpublicationsregardingdiscipline, andinthenotice thattheDistrictsendsto parentsannually.TheDisciplineSupervisorshallbe responsibleforensuringthattheimplementation oftheDistrict’spolicies concerningdisciplineisfair andequitable.
  1. In additionthe DistrictwillidentifyaDistrictoffice administratorwho willaddresscomplaints of discrimination and denial of due process fromparents,guardians,studentsandothersregardingtheimplementation oftheDistrict’sdisciplinarypolicies, andwill publishthisindividual’sname and/ortitle,officeaddress,e-mail addressandtelephonenumber on itswebsite, in allschoolpublicationsregardingdiscipline,andinthenoticethattheDistrictsendstoparentsannually. In addressing complaints, the review of individual discipline decisions shall be limited to a review of the written record of the discipline for violations of due process rights or unlawful discrimination.
  1. In collaboration withtheconsultant,theDistrict willdevelopa trainingprogramfortheDistrictofficeadministrator andfortheDiscipline Supervisor,includingtheresponsibilityoftheDisciplineSupervisortoregularlydevelop andparticipate inactivitiesdesignedtoraiseawarenesswithintheDistrictabouttheimplementationoftheDistrict’sdisciplinarypolicies, assetforthinSectionsE, F,GandHbelow.

REPORTINGREQUIREMENTS

  • ByApril 1,2014,theDistrictwill notifyOCRofthenamesofthe individualswho havebeendesignatedasDisciplineSupervisorandDistrict officeadministrator.
  • ByApril 1,2014,theDistrictwillsubmitthetrainingprogramfortheDiscipline SupervisorandtheDistrictofficeadministratorto OCRforreview.
  • ByAugust 1,2014,andannuallythereafteruntilOCRclosesthe monitoringofthisAgreement,theDistrictwillprovidetoOCRasummaryoftheDistrictSupervisor’sactivitiesassetforthinthissection.

E.OutreachtoandInputfromSchoolCommunityStakeholders

1.SchoolClimateSurveys

a.In collaborationwiththeConsultant,theDistrictwilldevelopand administer anannualschool climate surveytostudents(grades3-12), staff, andparents.Thesurveywillbeadministered separatelytoeach ofthesegroupsandwillmeasure(including,butnot limitedto)theperceptionsof:relationshipsamongtheschoolcommunitymembers(teacher-student,teacher-parent,andstudentrelationships);schoolsafety; clarityofrulesandbehavioralexpectations; andfairnessandequityinthe administrationofdiscipline.TheDistrictagreestosubmittheclimatesurveyto OCRforreviewandcomment.

b.BeginningAugust 1,2014,andannuallythereafterduringthecourseofOCR’smonitoringofthisAgreement,theDistrict willprovideasummaryreportofthesubstance oftheresponsesandtheresponserateofeachgroupto OCR.TheDistrictwillalsodetermineamethod forsharingthereportpublically,particularlywith theparticipatinggroups.Forthe purposesofthisAgreement,all schoolswillberequestedtoparticipateintheclimatesurvey.

2.Student Forums

In ordertoraiseawarenessofdiscipline issues,eachschoolintheDistrictwill conductan annual forumduringregular schoolhourswhichspecifically providesstudentswithan opportunitytodiscuss withfacultyandadministratorsanymatters relatingtodiscipline,includingnon-discrimination,andprovidetheirinputforanyimprovementsin theDistrict’sdisciplinepolicies.Atleastone individualwithschool-wideresponsibilityfordisciplinewill attendeachforum session.TheDistrictwill selectanappropriateformatforeachsessionbasedontheage/gradelevelsofstudentsandtheparticularneedsofeachschool,e.g.classroom discussion,student focusgroups,aslongaseachstudent isgiventheopportunitytoparticipateinsuch asessionatleastannually(e.g., ifa studentbodyassemblyformatis used,itshallincludetimefor smallgroupbreakoutdiscussionsthatallowindividualstudentsarealisticopportunitytoparticipate).

REPORTINGREQUIREMENTS

  • ByJuly 1,2014,theDistrictwillsubmittoOCRforreviewthe ClimateSurveydevelopedpursuanttoSectionE.1.a.
  • By December 1,2014,anduntil themonitoringofthisAgreement isclosed,theDistrictwill submittoOCRdocumentationshowingthatitsClimate Surveyshavebeenadministered,and asummaryreport ofthesubstance ofthe responsesaswell asthe response rate, pursuanttoSectionE.1.b.
  • Within 30 daysofthe endofthesemester inwhichtheforum isconducted, andannuallythereafteruntilthemonitoringofthisAgreementisclosed,the DistrictwillsubmittoOCRareportofeachstudentforum sessionconductedpursuanttoSectionE.2,includingthedate/time/lengthandlocationofeachsession,a listofstudentsattendingbyrace/sex/age/gradelevel,alistof thefacultyandstaffattending,asummaryoftheconcernsand suggestionsexpressedbystudentsateachsuchsession,andtheDistrict’s responsestothesame.TheDistrictwillalso includeanarrative whichdescribeshowtheresultsweresharedpublicallyandwith participatinggroups.

F.Training

1.StaffTraining

TheDistrict willdeveloptrainingprogramstobedelivered annuallytostaffwithintheDistrict.Theformatanddeliverymethodofthetrainingprogramsmayvarydependingonthenatureanddegreeoftherecipients’interaction with studentsandwith therecipients’roleinthedisciplinaryprocess.Thetrainingwill takeplacepriortothebeginningofeachschool year.TheDistrictagreestoprovidethe sametrainingtoanyemployeehired mid-year within 45daysofemploymentbytheDistrict aspracticable.Forstaffdirectlyinvolved instudentdiscipline(e.g., teachersand school-leveladministrators),thetrainingmustincludethe componentslisted below.

a.ThetrainingwillemphasizetheDistrict’scommitmenttousingthepoliciesreferencedinthisAgreementtoensureasafe and orderlyeducationalenvironment andtoensurethefairtreatmentofallstudentswhenmakingdisciplinaryreferralsandimposingdisciplinarysanctions.

b.Thetrainingwillemphasizetheotherapproachesand strategiesforstudentdevelopment outsidethe disciplinarysystem referencedinSection BofthisAgreement.

c.Thetrainingwillincludebutnotbelimitedtodetailedexplanationsofthedisciplinecode,thedefinitionsofoffensecategories,thespecificmanner in whichprogressivedisciplinaryconsequenceswillbeemployed,ifapplicable,thecircumstancesunderwhich deviationsfromestablishedpoliciesmaybejustified,thedocumentationthatmustbeusedbyall staffwithintheDistrict whomakedisciplinaryreferralsorimposedisciplinarysanctions,evidence-basedtechniquesonclassroommanagementandde-escalationapproaches,informationonhowtoadministerdisciplinefairlyandequitably,resourcesthatare availabletostaffwhoarehavingdifficultywithclassroommanagement,resourcesthatareavailabletostudentstoassistthem in developingself-management skills,thevalueofrecognizingandreinforcingpositivestudentbehavior,andtheimportanceofensuringtothemaximum extentpracticablethatmisbehaviorisaddressedin amannerthatdoesnotrequireremovalfromtheeducationalprogram.

d.ThetrainingwillprovideDistrictemployeeswith informationconcerningtherolethat School ResourceOfficers(SROs)areexpectedtoplayinthedisciplineprocess,focusinginparticularonguidelinesfor whenitisappropriateandwhenitisnotappropriatetorefer astudenttoanSRO.

e.Thetrainingwillprovideemployeesthe opportunitytoraiseconcernsorsuggestionsregardingtheimprovementoftheDistrict’sdisciplinarypolicies,includingany issuesinconnectionwithfairnessandnon-discriminationonthebasisof raceor ethnicity.

2.Student Training

TheDistrictwilldevelopatrainingprogramtobedeliveredannuallyto allDistrictstudentsthatwill explainthepoliciesreferencedin thisAgreementand what isexpected ofthestudentsunderthosepolicies inan age-appropriate,easilyunderstoodmanner.

a.ThetrainingwillemphasizetheDistrict’scommitmenttousingthepoliciesreferencedinthisAgreementtoensureasafe and orderlyeducationalenvironment andtoensurethefairandequitabletreatmentof allstudentswhenmakingdisciplinaryreferralsand imposingdisciplinarysanctions.Thetrainingwilladvisestudentsoftheirrighttoappropriatedueprocessprotections inconnectionwith anydisciplinaryactiontakenorproposedbytheDistrict, includingthenamesand contactinformationfortheDisciplineSupervisor andtheDistrictofficeadministrator.

b.Thetrainingwillincludebutnotbelimitedtodetailedexplanationsofthedisciplinecode,thedefinitionsofoffensecategories,thespecificmanner in whichprogressivedisciplinaryconsequenceswillbeemployed,ifapplicable,thecircumstancesunderwhich deviationsfromestablishedpoliciesmaybejustified,andtheDistrict’scommitmenttoensuringtothemaximumextent practicablethatmisbehaviorisaddressed inamannerthatdoesnotrequireremovalfrom theeducationalprogram.

c.Thetrainingwillemphasizenotonlythe consequencesandproceduresassociatedwith non-compliance with thedisciplinarycode,but also provideguidanceandinformationregardingappropriatebehavioralstandards,includingresourcestoassistindevelopingself-managementskills.

d.Thetrainingwillbedistinct from,andnot offeredsimultaneouslywith,thestudentforumsdescribedinSection E.2of thisAgreement.

3.InformationalProgramsforParents,IncludingOutreachandDistribution ofPolicies

TheDistrict willdevelopan informationalprogramtobeofferedtotheparentsorguardiansof allDistrictstudentsthatwill explainthepoliciesreferencedinthisAgreement inan easilyunderstood manner andwhat isexpectedof studentsunderthosepoliciesandtheDistrict’seffortsinachievingfairdisciplineof all students.Theprogramwill provideparentstheopportunitytoraiseconcernsorsuggestionsregardingtheimprovementoftheDistrict’sdisciplinarypolicies,includinganyissuesinconnection withfairnessandnon-discrimination.TheDistrictwillensure thattheinformationalprogram isofferedin suchamanner asto ensurethemaximumpossibleparticipationbyparentsorguardians.Thismayincludeofferingtheprogram atmultipletimesin variouslocationsandwillinclude providingaccesstoparentsorguardianswhoareunabletoattendthe programtothematerialsdevelopedbythe Districtinassociationwith theprogram.Thiswillalso includeofferingtheprogramandtheprogrammaterialsinhigh-incidencelanguageswithintheDistrict.Inaddition:

a.TheprogramwillincludeDistrict officialsinvolvedintheadministrationofdiscipline(e.g.,administrators,teachers,guidancecounselors);informationabouttheDistrict’srecent actionsunderthisAgreement;and arecordof themeetinginorderthattheinformation collectedcanbeconsidered bytheDistrictwhenassessingandmodifyingitspoliciesandunderthisAgreement.

b.TheprogramwillemphasizetheDistrict’scommitmenttousingthepoliciesreferencedinthisAgreementtoensureasafe and orderlyeducationalenvironment andtoensurethefairandequitabletreatmentof allstudentswhenmakingdisciplinaryreferralsand imposingdisciplinarysanctions.

c.Theprogramwill advisetheparentsor guardiansoftheright ofstudentstoappropriatedueprocessinconnectionwithanydisciplinaryactiontakenorproposedbytheDistrict.

d.Theprogramwill includebutnotbe limitedtodetailedexplanationsofthedisciplinecode,thedefinitionsofoffensecategories,thespecificmanner in whichprogressivedisciplinaryconsequenceswillbeemployed,ifapplicable,thecircumstancesunderwhich deviationsfromestablishedpoliciesmaybejustified,resourcesthatare availableto studentstoassistthem indevelopingself-managementskillsandtheDistrict’scommitment torecognizingandreinforcingpositivestudentbehavior andto ensuringtothemaximum extent practicable thatmisbehaviorisaddressed inamannerthatdoesnotrequireremovalfrom theeducationalprogram.

e.TheprogramwilladvisetheparentsorguardiansoftheavailabilityoftheDistrictDisciplineSupervisorandtheDistrictofficeadministrator,whomtheymaycontactif theyhave anyconcernsaboutthe mannerinwhichtheDistrict’sdisciplinepoliciesare beingimplementedor iftheyneed assistance in addressingstudentbehavioralproblems. The review of discipline decisions will be limited to the issues of determining compliance with due process and nondiscrimination policies.

REPORTINGREQUIREMENTS

  • By June 1, 2014,theDistrictwill submittoOCRforreviewadescriptionwithsupportingdocumentation ofthetrainingprogramsdevelopedbytheDistrict inaccordance with Section

F.1and F.2andtheinformationalprogramsdevelopedbytheDistrictinaccordancewithSectionF.3,includinganytranslated materials.

  • By December 1,2014,anduntil themonitoringofthisAgreement isclosed,theDistrictwillprovideOCRwith thedatesthattrainingsessionswereoffered alongwith other outreach activitiesand alistoftheparticipants in alltrainingsandinformationalprograms pursuanttoSectionF.

G.NoticetoParents/Guardians

1.TheDistrict’sCode isavailableinhardcopyandontheDistrict’swebsite.Studentsreceiveadditionalinformationabout studentresponsibilitiesandbehaviorexpectationsin StudentHandbooks, whichare uniquetoeachschool site.TheDistrictwillrevisethesedocumentstoreflectanychangesindisciplinarypoliciesandpracticesmadeunderthisAgreement,asnecessary,and continueitsexistingpracticeofnotificationtoparentsandstudents.

2.TheDistrictwilldevelopameanstoinformthepublicondataconcerningreferralsfordiscipline,Help/SAFEroom andICE assignments,outofschoolsuspensions,expulsions,and referralstolawenforcement,includingthemostfrequentreasonsleadingtoexclusionarydisciplineandotherfactorsdeterminedbytheDistrict and/ortheConsultant.Thedatawill bedisaggregatedbyrace/ ethnicity,school,and/orgrade level.TheDistrictwill consider,butisnotlimitedto, publishinga “datadashboard”orsomeother meansofinformationdisseminationonitswebsite orprovidingreports at BoardmeetingsandotherrelevantpublicDistrictforums.

3.TheDistrictwillprovidenoticetoparentsandguardiansaboutthe availabilityofallsourcesof informationregardingdiscipline,includingtheinformationrequiredbySectionG.2,contactinformation fortheDistrict’sDisciplineSupervisor and theDistrictofficeadministrator,andtherighttofilecomplaints of unlawful discrimination and denial of due processregardingtheimplementation ofdisciplinepolicies.Thisnotice willbepostedontheDistrict’swebsite andwill bemailedannuallyto all parentsandguardians.

REPORTINGREQUIREMENTS

  • ByAugust 15,2014,anduntil themonitoringofthisAgreement isclosed,theDistrictwillprovideacopyofthewrittennotices pursuantto SectionsG.1 andG.3,anddocumentationconfirmingthecreationoftheDistrict’sdashboardor comparableinformationsystempursuantto SectionsG.2and G.3.

H.SchoolResourceOfficers(SRO)

1.Reporting

TheDistrict willensurethatallactionstakenby SROsarereportedtotheDistrict.

2.ReviewofSROInterventionsandPractices

TheDistrict willconductacomprehensivereviewof SROinterventionsandpracticesannuallyto assesstheireffectivenessandidentifyanychangesthatshouldbemadeto

ensurethattheyalignwiththe goalsandobjectivessetforthinthisAgreement.Thereviewwill include,butnotbelimitedto,thefollowing:

Areviewofeveryinstanceduringthe schoolyearin whichan SRObecameinvolvedinastudentdisciplinemattertodeterminewhetherit wasappropriateforthe SROtobecomeinvolvedinthematterand whether,onceinvolved,theSROacted ina mannerthatwasconsistentwithstate lawandthe District’sexpectationsand itsdisciplinepolicies.Thisreviewwill alsoexamineeveryinstance whereaDistrictstudentwasreferredtolawenforcementandcarefullyconsiderwhetherthereferraltolawenforcementwasappropriateunderstatelawandthecircumstancespresentatthetimeand consistentwith thetreatmentofother similarlysituatedstudents.IftheDistrictdeterminesthatthereferralwasinappropriate,itwillpromptlytake stepstoremedyanyadverseeffects,which mayincludeeffortstocorrect Districtrecordsand,wherewarranted,todiscontinuelawenforcementinvolvementintheincident.

3.SROTraining

TheDistrictwill make goodfaitheffortstocollaboratewithlocalandstate policedepartmentswith whichit contractsforSROstodevelopatrainingprogramtobedeliveredtoallDistrictSROs thatwill explaintherevisionsbeingmade toSROinterventionsandpracticesand whatisexpectedoftheSROsundertherevised SROinterventionsandpracticesand theDistrict’srevised student disciplinepolicies,aswell astodevelopanorientationprogramtobedeliveredto allSROsnewlyassignedtotheDistrictthatexplainsSRO intervention,whatisexpectedofSROs,andtheDistrict’sstudentdisciplinepolicies.

REPORTINGREQUIREMENTS

  • ByJune 30,2014,the DistrictwillsubmittoOCRforreviewadescriptionwithsupportingdocumentationofanyrevisionstheDistrictplanstomaketoSRO interventionsandpracticesbasedonthereviewcompleted bytheDistrictpursuantto SectionsH.1andH.2.
  • ByOctober31,2014, theDistrictwillprovide documentationtoOCRconfirmingitsgoodfaitheffortstocollaboratewith localandstatepolicedepartmentswithwhichitcontractsforSROstodevelop atrainingprogramtobedeliveredtoallDistrictSROspursuanttoSectionH.3.IftheDistrict’seffortsaresuccessful,theDistrictwillsubmittoOCRforreviewtheproposedtrainingprogramforSROsthat itdevelopedincollaborationwiththepolicedepartments.

TheDistrictshallsubmitdocumentation confirmingimplementationofthe SROtrainingprogram.

I.DataCollection,EvaluationandAssessment,andSelf-Monitoring

1.TheDistrict will establishuniformstandardsforthe content of studentdisciplinefilesatallDistrictschools.The standardswill bedesignedtoensurethattheDistrictkeepsaccurateandcompleterecordsof alldisciplineincidents,includingthosethatdonotresultintheimpositionofdisciplinary sanctions. Tothisend,theDistrictwilldevelopand submitto OCRfor reviewand comment auniformDistrictreferral form and auniformDistrict disciplinarysanctionsformateachschoolleveltobe usedbyallstaffwithinthe Districtwhenimposingdisciplinarysanctions.Ata minimum,the formswillrequirethepersonusingthemtoprovidethefollowinginformation:

a.thenameorstaffidentification/employeenumberoftheperson makingthereferral;

b.thenameorstaffidentification/employeenumberofthepersondeterminingthesanction;

c.detailedinformationtoexplainthecircumstancesthat ledtothedisciplinaryreferral,includingtheconductandthesetting(e.g.,classroom,bus,cafeteria,hallway);

d.anystudentand/oradultwitness(es)totheincident;

e.anyotherstudentsinvolved inthe incident;

f.adescriptionof allapproachesthatwere attemptedinordertoaddressthebehavior at issuepriortoreferralfordiscipline;

g.thenumberof “chances”oropportunitiesthestudent wasgiventoself-correctthebehaviorbeforetheofficereferralbecamenecessary;

h.instructionstothereferringstaffmembertodescribetheincident intermsofconductandnot intermsofthe Codeviolation;

i.thedisciplinarysanctionimposedor,ifnosanctionwasimposed,the reasonforthatdecision;

j.theCodeviolation(s)forwhichthesanctionwasimposed;

k.thefactualbasisforthe sanctionimposedandthejustificationforthe selectionoftheparticularpenaltyimposedfromwithintherange ofpossiblepenaltiesthatcouldhavebeen imposed, includingthe student’spriordisciplinaryhistory;or,ifnosanctionwasimposed, thereasonforthatdecision;

l.thedatethereferralwasmadeorthesanctionwasimposed;

m.thename/identificationnumber,race/ethnicity,andgrade levelof thestudent(s)beingreferred andallother studentsinvolvedintheincident,whetherornottheywerereferredfordisciplinethemselves;and

n.attemptstocontactparentsand/orguardians.

Individualschoolsmayelecttocollect information inadditiontotheinformationrequiredin subsections a-nabove.

2.TheDistrictwill workwith thedevelopersoftheDistrict’sdatasystem toobtainenhancementsorupdatestothesystemasneeded in ordertocollectandaccuratelyrecordtheinformation requiredbythisSection electronically.However,unlessanduntilpaperformsarenolongerinuse,the Districtwill retain andstorepaper referralformsaswell asallotherdocumentsusedin thedisciplineofstudentsthroughoutthemonitoringofthisAgreement.

3.TheDistrictwillcollect andevaluatedataregardingallreferralsforstudentdiscipline,includingthosethatdidnotresultintheimpositionofdisciplinarysanctions, theimpositionofdisciplinarysanctions,referralstolawenforcement,andsuspensionandexpulsionat allDistrictschools.Thedata collectedwill include,butnotbe limitedto,thefollowing:

a.Thename/identificationnumber,race/ethnicity,and gradelevelofeach studentreferredfordiscipline;

b.Foreachreferral,thename/identificationnumber,race/ethnicity,andgradelevelofallotherstudentsinvolved intheincident,whetherornottheywere referredfordisciplinethemselves;

c.Adetailed descriptionofthemisconduct(inthecommentfield);

d.Adescription of allapproachesthatwere attempted inordertoaddressthebehavior at issuepriortoreferralfordiscipline;

e.Thedateofthereferral;

f.ThespecificCode violationfor whichthereferralwasmade;

g.Thereferringstaffmember(bystaffidentification/employeenumber);

h.The school andtype ofclassfromwhichthereferralwasmadeorotherspecificsettings(e.g.busreferral,hallwayreferral);

i.Whetherthere were anystudent and/oradultwitness(es)oftheincident;namesofwitness(es);numberofwitnesses;

j.thenumberof “chances”oropportunitiesthestudent wasgiventoself-correctthebehaviorbeforetheofficereferralbecamenecessary;

k.whetherthestudent’sparent/guardianwascontacted;

l.Thepriordisciplinaryhistoryofthestudent;

m.(If differentfromf., above)ThespecificCodeviolationfor whichthe student waspunishedandthepenalty/sanction imposedor,ifnoviolationwascharged orpenalty/sanctionimposed,thereasonwhy;

n.Theoutcomeofthemanifestationhearingdetermination, if applicable;

o.Thedatethepenalty/sanctionwasimposed;

p.The lengthofthepenalty/sanction(innumber ofdays);

q.Thestaff memberwhoassignedthepenalty/sanction(bystaffidentification/employeenumber);

r.Whetherthestudent wastransferredtothealternativeschoolortoadifferentschoolsite;

s.Whetherschool-based orlocallawenforcementwereinvolved(e.g.lawenforcementwasnotifiedoftheoffense);

t.Whetherthereferraltolawenforcement wasmandatoryand,if so,thestatuteorordinancegoverningthereferral;

u.Whetherthestudent wasarrested asaresultof school-basedorlawenforcementinvolvement;

v.Anyothernon-punitiveoutcomesarisingout ofeach referralincident,including,butnotlimitedto,referral forhomebound services, disabilityevaluation;and

w.Whetherthestudentwasgiven accesstoappropriatedueprocessprocedures inconnection withthe penalty/sanction,includingbutnotlimitedto beinggiven theopportunitytopresenthisorher versionofeventsand/oranexplanationfor theirconduct priortothe impositionof sanctions,andwhether, when, andhowtheirparentswerecontacted in connectionwitheachreferralincident.

4.Each schoolprincipalwill meetatthe conclusionof each semesterwiththe teachersathis/herschooltodiscussstrategiesforteaching, encouragingandreinforcingpositivestudentbehaviorthatdonot requireengagementwiththedisciplinesystem and todiscussthediscipline ofstudentsforthatsemester.The discussionwill specificallyreviewthedatagathered bytheDistrictunderSectionI.3ofthisAgreementand theresultsofthe reviewconductedbythedisciplinereviewteamunderSection 6ofthisAgreement.Themeetingswillexaminehowdisciplinereferralsanddisciplinarysanctionsimposedattheschool compareto those atotherschoolsandconsideranydataorotherinformation showingthatmembersofanygroupfor whom dataarecollectedpursuanttoSection I.3abovearedisproportionatelyreferredfor disciplineorsanctionedmoreharshlythansimilarly-situatedstudentsofothergroups.Ifthedatashowsuchdisproportion,theteacherswillbereminded ofDistrictresourcesthat areavailabletoassist themin managingtheirclassroomsandreinforcingpositivestudentbehavior.Wherethedataorotherinformationshowthat aparticular teacherisresponsibleforadisproportionatenumberof referralsordisproportionatelyrefersmembersofanysuch group,theprincipalwillmeetprivatelywiththatteachertoexplorethe reasonsforthedisproportion,andexaminepotential solutions.Ifthedataorinformationshowsthattheteacherisfailingto adheretothe District’sstudentdisciplinepoliciesorpracticesorisengagingindiscrimination,theprincipalwill considerappropriatecorrectiveaction, includingbutnotlimitedto,additionaltrainingordisciplinaryaction, subject to the rights afforded to employees under state and/or federal law.Where thedata shownodisproportionat the schooland/or inparticularclassroomsorsuggestthat ateacherhasbeenparticularlysuccessful inmanagingstudentdiscipline attheclassroomlevel,themeetingswillexaminestepsthat arebeingtakenatthe school or bythe individualteachertoensurethefair andequitableenforcement oftheDistrict’sstudentdisciplinepoliciesthatmightbesharedas“best practices” withotherteachersatthe schooland withotherschoolswheredisproportionexists.

5.TheSuperintendentorSuperintendent’sdesignee(s)willmeetattheconclusionofeachschool yearwiththe principalofeachschool todiscussthedata gatheredbytheDistrictunderSectionI.3, aswellaswiththe DisciplineSupervisor,toexaminetheissuesraisedpursuanttoSectionD andthe reportofthediscipline reviewteampursuantto SectionI.6.The meetingswill examinehowdisciplinereferralsanddisciplinarysanctionsimposedateachschoolcomparetothose atotherschoolsand,if applicable,to schoolsoutsidetheDistrict,andconsideranydatashowingthatmembersofany group for whomdata arecollectedpursuanttoSectionI.3aredisproportionatelyreferredfordisciplineor sanctionedmoreharshlythansimilarly-situatedstudentsofother groups.Ifthedata showsuchdisproportion, themeetingswill explorepossible causesforthedisproportion.Themeetingwill alsoreviewtheDistrict’sresourcesthatareavailabletoteacherstoassisttheminmanagingtheirclassroomsandreinforcingpositive studentbehavior.IfthedataorotherinformationshowsthattheprincipalorotherschoolstaffarefailingtoadheretotheDistrict’sstudentdisciplinepoliciesandpracticesorare engagingindiscrimination,theSuperintendentorSuperintendent’sdesignee(s)willconsiderappropriatecorrectiveaction, includingbutnotlimitedto,additionaltrainingordisciplinaryaction, subject to the rights afforded to employees (including administrators) under state and/or federal law.Wherethedatashownodisproportion,themeetingswillexaminestepsthatarebeingtaken attheschooltoensurethefair andequitableenforcementoftheDistrict’sstudentdisciplinepoliciesthatmightbeadopted as“bestpractices” atthoseschoolswheredisproportion exists.

Inaddition, ifthe dataorother informationshowthat aparticularschoolisreferringdisproportionatelyhighnumbersofstudentsof aparticular grouptolawenforcement orthattheSROisinvolvedindisproportionatelyhighnumbersofdisciplinaryreferralsofstudentsof aparticular group,theappropriateDistrictadministrator willmeet withtheSROand all administratorsinvolvedindisciplinarydecisionstodiscussthedataandobtainan explanationfor thedisproportionality.Theprincipal willthen submit awrittenreporttotheSuperintendentorSuperintendent’sdesignee(s)explainingtheprincipal’sfindingsandrecommendationsforfurtheraction.Basedontheprincipal’sreportandrecommendations,theSuperintendentorSuperintendent’sdesignee(s)willtakewhatevercorrectiveactionheorshedeemsnecessarytoaddressthedisproportionality, upto andincluding, ifappropriate,a requestthatthe SRObe replacedandmodificationof studentdisciplinefiles, subject to applicable state and/or federal law.

6.TheDistrictwillestablishaDisciplineReviewTeamforthepurposeofrandomlyreviewingapercentageofthedisciplinaryactionstakenateachDistrict schoolon anongoingbasistoensurethatthe actionstakenwere non-discriminatory andconsistentwith theDistrict’sstudent disciplinepoliciesandpractices.

7.BeginningwithJune 30, 2015, andatthe conclusionofeachsubsequentschool year,theDisciplineReviewTeamwillprepareareportthat summarizestheresultsofitsreviewateach school and includesrecommendationsonanychangestotheDistrict’sstudentdisciplinepoliciesandpracticesthatshouldbe made inlightoftheteam’sfindings.TheDisciplineReviewTeam will, in consultationwiththe consultant,developgoalsand benchmarksformeasuringtheDistrict’seffortsatimplementingitsstudentdisciplinepolicies andpracticesina non-discriminatorymanner. IfatanypointduringthisprocesstheDisciplineReviewTeamidentifiesanydisciplinaryactionthat wasdiscriminatoryorinconsistent withtheDistrict’sstudent disciplinepolicies, it willimmediatelyreportitsfindingtotheSuperintendent,whowilltakeimmediatecorrectiveaction, subject to the requirements of applicable state and/or federal law.Undersuch acircumstance,theDisciplineReviewTeamwillalsoexpanditsreviewat theschool in questiontoincludeeverydisciplinaryactiontakenattheschoolduringthe school year.

8.Attheconclusionofthe2013-14schoolyearandeach schoolyearthereafter,theDistrictwill considerwhetheradditionalchangestoitsstudentdisciplinepoliciesarewarrantedbasedonitsevaluationoftheDistrict-widestudentdisciplinedata gatheredunderSection I.3 ofthisAgreement,themeetingsconductedbytheDistrictunderSectionsI.4 and I.5 ofthisAgreement,theinput andrecommendationsmadebytheDiscipline Supervisor underSectionDofthisAgreement,andthefindingsmadebytheDisciplineReviewTeamestablishedunderSectionI.6ofthisAgreement.

9.TheDistrictwillensurethat itsemployeesenteraccuratedisciplinedataintheDepartment’sCivilRightsDataCollection.

10.Priortothe conclusionofthemonitoringofthisagreementby OCR, the Districtwill provide information to OCR establishingthatanyremainingracialdisparitiesinthe administrationofdiscipline arenotthe resultofunlawfuldiscrimination.

REPORTINGREQUIREMENTS

  • By June 30,2014,theDistrictwillsubmittoOCRdocumentation ofitsimplementationofSectionI.1 and2, includinga sampleofitsnewly-designed referral form,anyenhancementstothecomputerdatatool,and anyotherrecordkeepingsystems.
  • ByJune 30,2015,and annuallythereafteruntilthemonitoringofthisAgreementisclosed,theDistrictwill create anannualreportforsubmissionto OCRforthedurationofthemonitoringofthisAgreementthatsummarizestheinformationcollectedunderSection I.3ofthisAgreement andassesseswhethertheDistrict isimplementingitsstudentdisciplinepoliciesina non-discriminatorymanner.The evaluationofthedata will include, butnotbelimitedto,thefollowing:

a.Periodicreviewofdiscipline referralsandpenaltiesimposedtoexaminewhetheranygroupofstudentsforwhom data are collectedpursuantto SectionI.3 above isreceivingmore referralsordisciplinethanothergroupsin comparisontotheirrespectiveenrollments;

b.Periodicreviewof referralstolawenforcementtoexaminewhetheranygroupofstudentsfor whomdataarecollectedpursuanttoSection I.3 aboveisreceivingmorereferralsthanstudentsof othergroupsortheSROisinvolvedindisproportionatelyhighnumbersofdisciplinaryreferralsof studentsof aparticulargroup;

c.Periodicreviewofstudentexpulsionstoexaminewhether anygroupofstudentsforwhom data are collectedpursuantto SectionI.3 above isreceivingmoreexpulsionsthanstudentsofothergroups;

d.Examinationofwhethercertainteachersandadministratorsreferdisproportionatelyhighnumbersofanygroupof studentsfor whomdata arecollectedpursuanttoSectionI.3 abovefordisciplineoraredisproportionatelyresponsiblefor imposingdisciplinarysanctionsthatincludeexclusionfromtheeducationalprogram;

e.Examinationof whetheranygroupof studentsfor whomdataarecollected pursuanttoSectionI.3abovearedisproportionatelyreferredforoffensesinwhichsubjectivejudgmentisexercised, whilestudentsof othergroupsarenot;

f.Examinationof whetherallstudentsareconsistentlyreferredforsimilarmisbehaviors;

g.Examinationof whetherwaiversofpunishment,ifavailable, areavailabletoallstudents;

h.Examinationof whetherpenaltiesimposedareconsistentwiththepenaltiesspecifiedin theDistrict’sdisciplinepoliciesandproceduresand, whereexceptionsaremade,whethertheyarejustified;and

i.Asummaryofallofthecomplaintsreceivedand theirdisposition bytheDistrictadministratoridentifiedbythesuperintendenttohandleparent/studentcomplaintsrelatedtodisciplineissues.

  • By July 1,2015,and annuallythereafteruntilthemonitoringofthisAgreementisclosed,theDistrictwill submitreportstoOCRdocumentingitsimplementationof SectionsI.3, I.4,I.5,andI.7ofthisAgreementforthe2014-15andsubsequentschool years,as appropriate. ThereportwilldemonstratethatthemeetingsrequiredbySectionsI.4and I.5oftheAgreementhavetakenplaceandindicatewhetherany problemsorbestpracticeswereidentified.If so,thereportwilldescribewhat actionsweretaken orarebeingtakenbytheDistrictinresponse.Inaddition,thereportwill summarizetheconclusionsreachedbythedisciplinereviewteamregardingthedisciplinaryactionstakenat eachDistrictschoolduringtheschoolyear, alongwithadescriptionofanychangesto theDistrict’sstudentdisciplinepoliciesbeingmadeor consideredbytheDistrict asaresultoftheDistrict’simplementationof SectionI.8.

IMPLEMENTATIONOFTHISAGREEMENT

This Agreement is not intended to require the District or any of its employees to take any action or fail to take any action otherwise required by state and/or federal law. Instead, this Agreement is intended to be consistent with compliance with state and federal laws applicable to the District.

TheDistrictunderstandsthat bysigningthisAgreement, it agreestoprovidedataand otherinformation in atimelymanner.Furtherthe DistrictunderstandsthatduringthemonitoringofthisAgreement,OCRmayvisit theDistrict,interviewstaff and studentsand request suchadditionalreportsordataasarenecessaryforOCRtodeterminewhethertheDistricthasfulfilledthetermsofthisAgreementand isincompliancewiththeregulationsimplementingTitleVI at34

C.F.R.§§ 100.3(a)and(b)(1) and(2), whichwereat issue inthiscompliance review.

TheDistrictunderstandsthat OCRwillnotclosethe monitoringofthisAgreementuntilOCRdeterminesthattheDistrict hasfulfilledthe termsofthisAgreement andisin compliancewiththeregulationimplementingTitleVI at 34 C.F.R. §§ 100.3(a)and(b)(1) and(2).

TheDistrictunderstandsandacknowledgesthatOCRmayinitiateadministrativeenforcementorjudicialproceedingstoenforcethespecifictermsandobligationsofthisAgreement.Beforeinitiatingadministrativeenforcement (34C.F.R.§§100.9,100.10),orjudicialproceedingstoenforcethisAgreement,OCRshallgivetheDistrict writtennoticeoftheallegedbreachand aminimumofsixty(60)calendardaystocuretheallegedbreach.

/s/ 1/9/2014

SuperintendentordesigneeDate

ChristianCountyPublicSchools