Upload
wesley-allen
View
214
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Dignity For All Students Act
An Agent For School Climate Change
Goal of the Dignity Act
• To provide a school environment free of discrimination, harassment and bullying.
Basics of the Dignity Act
-The Dignity Act is a law as of July 1, 2012.-It addresses issues related to harassment, discrimination and bullying in schools.-School Codes of Conduct will be amended to reflect DASA regulations-Amends NYS Education Law (Section 801a) regarding instruction in civility, citizenship and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity.
• No student shall be repeatedly subjected to harassment, discrimination or bullying by students or employees.
Awareness and Sensitivity
• An additional goal is to raise sensitivity to potential acts of discrimination, harassment or bullying directed at students or adults by students or adults on school property or at school functions.
• Enable staff to prevent and respond to incidents of harassment, discrimination and bullying.
Roslyn Middle SchoolDignity Act Coordinators
• The following individuals serve as the Dignity Act Coordinators for our school:
• Mr. Palmadesso-Principal• Ms. Scordo-Assistant Principal-Grade 6• Mr. Johanson-Assistant Principal-Grades 7 & 8
Reporting Requirements
• The nature of incidents of discrimination, harassment and bullying must be reported to New York State and must include:
• The type of bias involved• Whether the incident resulted from student
and/or adult conduct• Whether the incident involved physical contact
and/or verbal threats, intimidation or abuse• The location where the incident occurred
Material Incident(s) of Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying
• A single incident or series of related incidents which may include physical contact, verbal threats, intimidation and/or abuse which may result in…
• interference with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or mental, emotional or physical well being or
• reasonably cause or could be expected to cause a student to fear for his/her safety.
The Ideal SchoolHow We Would Like To See It
• Respect for all• Awareness of harassment, discrimination and
bullying by all constituents• Effective systems of reporting and responding
in a timely manner• A culture of “upstander” behavior• Student engagement with our curriculum
through the involvement all constituents
What is expected?
• Civility• Citizenship• Character• Honesty• Tolerance• Responsibility• Respect • Dignity for All
The Eleven Named Protected ClassesSensitivity to Issues of Diversity
• Race (Actual or Perceived)• Color• Weight (Size)• National Origin• Ethnic Group• Religion• Religious Practice• Disability• Sexual Orientation• Gender Identity• Sex
Our Role…Our Procedures
• What is our plan when we receive a report of an incident of harassment, discrimination or bullying?
• How do we keep track of incidents?• What is our philosophy for giving
consequences? MILD-MODERATE-SEVERE• How do we support the victim?
Disciplinary Consequences• Mild Incident or First Time ReportExamples may include name calling, exclusion or rumor spreading-Possible Consequences may include verbal warning, reprimand, parent notification, apology, counseling
• Moderate Incident or Second ReportExamples may include physical confrontation, repeat offense(s), threats or theft-Possible Consequences-parent notification of detention, in school or out of school suspension, counseling
• Severe Incident or Third ReportThe individual poses a threat to self or other school constituents-Possible Consequences-parent notification of alternative school assignment, homebound instruction or law enforcement referral
Our School…Our Rules“Not in Our House”
• What is a positive school climate?A positive school climate is an environment in which students feel safe and are ready to learn.
• If you are not feeling safe in school, where can you go as a safe haven?
• Counseling Office for Ms. Decker, Ms. Messina, Ms. Gray • Dr. LaRocca’s Office• Mr. Levenson’s Office• Mr. Johanson’s Office• Ms. Scordo’s Office• Ms. Collins’ Health Office• Mr. Palmadesso’s Office• A trusted teacher
Bullying Is A Type of Harassment
• Bullying usually occurs repeatedly and over time, however it can be a single incident.
• Bullying is an intentional act of aggression, based on an imbalance of power, meant to harm a victim physically or psychologically.
Cyberbullying
Schools may address cyberbullying that takes place on campus:• through the district’s internet system or• through personal cell phones, cameras, personal computers and
PDAs.
Schools may address cyberbullying that takes place off campus such as:• Speech through technology which causes or threatens to cause
disruption in school or interference with the rights of students or adults.
• Speech through technology which causes emotional harm or danger to the victim or others.
Disciplinary Actions For Cyberbullying
• Nothing prevents school officials from resolving cyberbullying concerns informally.
• The parents/guardians of the cyberbully may be provided with a copy of the harmful on-line material if it is available and advised of their potential liability if they do not take proactive steps to stop the cyberbullying.
For more information:
• http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/
• Or call 1-518-486-6090
References
The information provided in this document was prepared by:
• Nassau BOCES and The New York State Center for School Safety-June 13, 2012
and• New York State Dignity Act and Bully Prevention-
Presented by Dr. Susan Lipkins and Dr. Karen Siris- Hofstra University-March 12, 2012