BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Code of Conduct:

Tools for Creating a Positive School Climate

Karen Webber-Ndour, Executive DirectorOffice of Student Support and Safety

October 6, 2014

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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Baltimore City SchoolsBy the Numbers

83.8%

8.0%6.2%1.9%

Race/Ethnicity

African American White

Hispanic/Latino Other

84.5%

15.5%

Low Income

Low Income Non-Low Income

2013-14 Student Enrollment: 84,730 total2014-15 Schools and Programs: 188 total

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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Baltimore City Schools’ Code of Conduct2014-2015

Baltimore City Schools’ Code of Conduct is recognized as a national model.

Revisions focused on: Improving school climate Reducing zero-tolerance

policies Eliminating soft offenses Addressing overuse of out-of-

school suspensions

The US DOE applauded Baltimore City for our work in these areas.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder visit

Frederick Douglass High School (January 2014)

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Laying the Groundwork for ChangeStep 1: Focusing on Essential Indicators

4

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

District Rate

S U S P E N S I O N R AT E S A C R O S S T H E D I S T R I C T

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Laying the Groundwork for ChangeStep 2: Defining School Climate and Providing Climate Training

School Climate

Relationships

Teaching &

Learning

Environment

Safety

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Targeted ~30 schools per year for 2 years based on their overuse of suspensions

Emphasized that a positive school climate can be intentionally created

Introduced evidence-based alternatives to suspension

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

69.5

53.8

42.8

Laying the Groundwork for ChangeStep 3: Highlighting the Link Between Suspensions and Academic

Performance

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READING MATH

61.1

37.8

27.5

(31,516) (2,021) (901)

2013(31,471) (2,009) (893)

2013 Students with 0 Suspensions Students with 1 Suspension Students with 2+ Suspensions

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Results:Baltimore City Schools’ Historical Suspension

Data

26,324

16,752

11,394

8,6537,550

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2004 2007 2012 2013 2014

NOTE: Counts show total number of out-of-school suspensions in the District based on end of year file. Includes all suspensions and expulsions.SOURCE: Official MSDE files.

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Punitive Restorative

Remaining Challenges: Shifting the Mindset

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BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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Contact Information

Karen Webber-NdourExecutive Director, Office of Student Support and SafetyBaltimore City Public Schoolskndour@bcps.k12.md.us(410) 396-8672

Further information available at:http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/climate

2014-2015 Code of Conduct available at:http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/Page/25270

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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APPENDIX

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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Code of Conduct and Maryland’s Education Reform

In July 2014, MSDE released Draft Guidelines for a State Code of Discipline. In it, school districts were provided detailed guidance on how to:

Adopt a rehabilitative approach to school discipline and move away from zero-tolerance policies.

Focus on the connection between school discipline and academic success.

Focus on keeping students in school where they can learn and receive a world class education.

SOURCE: Report to the Maryland State Board of Education on the Draft Guidelines for a State Code of Discipline

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

City Schools Representatives

CommunityRepresentatives

Offices of the Chief Academic Officer

• Student Support• Suspension Services• Early Learning• Special Education• School PoliceSchool Support Network Staff• Facilitators• Student Support LiaisonsOffice of EngagementDistrict PrincipalsAssociated Student Congress of

Baltimore City

• Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU)• Public School Administrators and

Supervisors Association (PSASA)• Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)• Open Society Institute• American Civil Liberties Union –

Maryland• Maryland Disability Law Center• Advocates for Children and Youth• Community Conferencing• Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education

Network• Family League of Baltimore

Baltimore City Schools’Code of Conduct Revision Committee

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BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Successful Alternatives to Suspensions4 Components

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Alternatives to

Suspension

Student Voice

Restorative

Accountability

Relationships