The Student Handbook at Southbridge Middle/High School

I am not certain when the student handbook for Southbridge Middle/High School was first placed online, but it is there now, at least in its English version.

A few observations:


1. It has been my experience with parent/student handbooks that, even though parents and students sign that they have received them, it does not mean that they actually read them.  Many don't.

2. Handbooks are approved each year by The School Committee.  This is the "stamp of approval" that says the Committee accepts the contents.  The School Committee can challenge content and change content before approval.

3. Many items contained in the handbook are required by State Law.  These are non-negotiable.

4. The effectiveness of school rules and procedures in any handbook is determined by enforcement by all stakeholders.  This includes administrators, teachers, parents, and the students themselves.


There has been lots of discussion relative to disciplinary issues at Southbridge Middle/High School.  I am interested in hearing from anyone who may want to respond.  Which particular section of this handbook has been ignored or unenforced, if any?  Be specific about the handbook.  Provide the section and page.  The handbook outlines a grievance procedure for students.  Did anyone use this procedure to resolve a conflict?

Finally, in a blog post yesterday I included a video from a Turnaround School.  Following is another video from that presentation from Edutopia.

The educators at Cochrane Collegiate Academy, in Charlotte, North Carolina, have developed an instructional model called Interactive Learning (IL). It is a collection of their ten best practices, which they call their non-negotiables, and teachers must implement them in every lesson, every day.

This is one way that the Cochrane Collegiate Academy enforces discipline.  These best practices have to be observed by everyone.  No exceptions.  It seems to be working.


© 2012