School Code of Conduct Pilot Project Announced
A pilot project in the Annapolis Valley will help deal with suspended students and those at risk of expulsion. Education Minister Jane Purves today announced funding for the project that will help apply the province's new code of conduct. The code of conduct sets the context for a safe and productive learning environment by outlining expected behaviour in schools.
"Students have the right to learn in a classroom without unreasonable disruptions. But we also have to help those students whose behaviour is disruptive," said Ms. Purves, who made the announcement at Hants West Rural High in Newport. "While these students are receiving the help they need, their classmates are learning without distraction and teachers are focusing on teaching."
The pilot project is part of Learning for Life, the province's plan to help improve the quality of education in Nova Scotia. The Annapolis Valley Regional School Board will receive a $25,000 grant from the Department of Education to support the project that will serve communities throughout the region.
The project focuses on meeting the needs of severely disruptive students -- those who are at risk of being suspended, have been suspended, or have been expelled from school. These students will receive support, either in a school or community setting, to help them get back on track.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to work with all our community agencies who share the same concerns," said Cindy Giffen-Johnson, co-ordinator of special services for the school board. "It allows us to give students intensive behavioural support while keeping them in contact with their communities and their schools."
The project is unique because it brings together mental health, community services, justice and education professionals to meet the needs of these students.
The minister said research from tracking suspensions and behaviour shows patterns. For example, there are more reports of aggressive behaviour following major media coverage of bullying and teachers report an increase in disruptive behaviour at certain times of the year.
"This research equips us with information about the types of support that are helpful," said Ms. Purves.
The Annapolis Valley Regional School Board will work with Family and Children's Services of Hants County and the Hants Mental Health Clinic to implement the project.
The Department of Education will invest $75,000 this year for three code of conduct pilot projects, including the Valley project. The other projects will take place in the Halifax Regional School Board and the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board. Details on these projects, which will also test new ways to prevent behaviour problems, will be announced soon.
The province developed the code of conduct through consultations with students, teachers, parents, school administrators, the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, the Nova Scotia Home and School Association and the Nova Scotia School Boards Association.