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Consequences and Interventions for Behavioral Errors

Consequences and Interventions for Behavioral Errors

The following list of conduct categories represents a continuum of misbehavior based on the seriousness of the act and the frequency of occurrence. The intervention list is used at the discretion of teachers to support a culture of respect, responsibility, safety, positivity, and listening. Consequences should be logical, and linked to a student’s unsafe behavior; thus, for example, recess should only be taken away or abbreviated if a student is unsafe during recess.

The infractions classified at minor are teacher-managed, and involve acts which only minimally interfere with the orderly conduct of the educational process. The frequency of occurrence and the age of the child plays a significant role in determining the most appropriate disciplinary response.

Examples of MINOR behavioral errors Examples of Consequences
  • Inappropriate Language (disruptive, demeaning tone)
  • Verbal aggression - ex. "Move!"
  • Physical Contact - ex. playfight, shoving in line
  • Technology or Property Misuse/Damage, ex. Video games
  • Dishonesty - ex. Ignoring rules
  • Disruption (disrespect and defiance) ex. "I'm not doing this assignment"; ex. "No, I am not leaving the room."
  • Conference with Student
  • Reteach Expectations
  • Problem Solving
  • Verbal Redirection
  • Time Aprt
  • Logical consequence (loss of privilege)
  • Buddy Classroom and Reflection
  • Restorative Conversation
  • Seating Change
  • Call Home
  • Family Conference

Major behavioral errors are always processed by the Administration. They usually involve a serious action that shows disregard for the student’s classmate(s), educators, and the school. These include misconduct that involves extremely serious behavior and/or criminal acts that represent a direct and immediate threat to the welfare of individuals. Major behavioral errors may require interventions by law enforcement authorities.

Examples of MINOR behavioral errors Examples of Consequences
  • Harassment. bullying, and/or sexual harassment, including physical, verbal, or cyber threats
  • Fighting and/or physical aggression towards students and/or staff
  • Disruption (disrespect and defiance), ex. Throwing materials across the room ex. Refusal to go with cohort or go to buddy room
  • Use of racist or other derogatory terms, regardless of intent
  • Major Property Damage/Vandalism
  • Technology Violation ex. Making YouTube videos in class and posting online
  • Exiting the building without permission
  • Forgery/Theft/Plagiarism
  • Arson/Bomb Threat/False Alarm
  • Teacher will issue an administrative referral
  • Loss of privileges ("logical consequences")
  • Restorative Conversation between individuals involved
  • Meeting/conference between student, counselor, and parent/guardian
  • Meeting/Conference between student, teacher, Executive Director or Principal, and parent/guardian
  • Suspension from school
  • Referral to the Board of Trustees
  • Expulsion from school

A minor misconduct appropriately can become major if the act persists after several interventions had been attempted at a lower level. Although the seriousness of the infraction remains the same, the frequency of the occurrence requires it to be classified at a high level where a different set of disciplinary responses could be applied.

**Note: The Pennsylvania Public School Code requires the school to refer for expulsion for not less than one year “any student who is determined to have brought onto or is in possession of a weapon on any school property, any school-sponsored activity or any public conveyance providing transportation to school or school-sponsored activity.” Accordingly, Vida administration shall do the following:

  • The student shall be detained.
  • Any Safe Schools violation shall be reported to the police immediately.
  • The parents/guardians shall be reasonably notified.
  • The student shall be suspended.
  • A report to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and/or Gettysburg School District will be filed to the extent required by applicable laws/regulations.
  • The student will be recommended to the Board of Trustees for expulsion.
  • Expulsion from school as determined after a hearing held in accordance with the due process procedures below.