The Recovery School District is taking a hard look at discipline models in New Orleans public schools. As a vast majority of local schools are now charter operated, figuring out the various discipline policies that
exist among schools is a complicated business. Superintendent Patrick Dobard supports the necessity to start the conversation around having a uniform policy regarding when it’s appropriate to issue out-of- school suspensions.

For parents with a complaint about their child’s school, the district has created a document explaining which issues the school is responsible for settling, including disagreements with teachers, discipline decisions that don’t involve expulsion, special education and issues with other students.

As a parent, when dealing with a discipline matter, it is important to understand the roles of various decision makers within the school. Many issues of school safety and discipline are best addressed at the school level. Therefore, it is important to stay engaged and informed about changes to your school’s discipline model.

Here are ways to ensure that you are updated on the discipline policy and procedures at your child’s school:

1. Attend as many school meetings as possible such as: Orientation, PTO Meetings, Parent- Teacher Conferences, Open House, etc.

2. Be sure to read the student handbook and/or familiarize yourself with the schools’ code of conduct and discipline policy.

3. Periodically reach out to your child’s teacher(s) and inquire about their behavior in the classroom (this is important even if your child tends not to have disciplinary issues because behavior can differ greatly between the home and school).

4. Read all newsletters and other information that your child brings home (there could be very important information about changes within the school).

5. Request meetings with school administrators if you have questions or concerns about the discipline model or other policies.

Be sure to discuss the school’s discipline policy with your child regularly. When parents are informed, they are equipped to help their child have a successful school year. Remember being engaged means
staying informed and involved!

Visit www.getengagednola.com to read the full article and to view the RSD’s new expulsion and issue reporting process for parents.