Develop Policies to Address Challenges of Violence and Discipline Essay

Introduction

Student violence and indiscipline issues have a negative impact on educational processes. Factors such as substance abuse and dysfunctional families contribute to the vice (Gray & Lewis, 2015). The involvement of various education stakeholders is essential toward curbing violence and indiscipline in schools. Teachers need the help of the school staff, parents, and law enforcement officers, to tackle indiscipline in school (Brooks, 2009). Institutions with high standards of discipline often display excellent academic performance. Students are obligated to adhere to rules outlined by the students' code of regulations. Failure to comply with the laws results in cases of indiscipline and scenarios of student violence. Violence in or near schools is disruptive to the teaching and learning process. It also compromises the safety of the entire student population and personnel. This paper outlines the viable policies I would implement to curb indiscipline and violence in the school.

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New Policies

Initiating a parent patrol watch is a viable approach to monitoring learners' behaviors outside the school. Involvement of parents can help to reduce instances of violence. The presence of adult figure deters students from engaging in undesired behavior outside the school compound (Brooks, 2009). As a school, there is the need to keep learners more interested in educative activities as it prevents them from engaging in violent acts. The school should encourage student participation in clubs and societies. Such school programs can keep learners busy during their free time. The student discipline code should also consider doing away with the zero-tolerance policy. The harsh punishments consistently create resentment against the teachers (Gregory & Cornell, 2009). Adopting a 'culture of calm' that engages learners in talk therapy is a more practical approach.

Benefits to the Staff

The parent patrol strategy will help in monitoring student attacks on personnel. The school staff plays an essential role in the day to day running of the institution. Violence on workers disrupts normal operations and affects learning (Diliberti, Jackson, & Kemp, 2017). The safety of students and the staff is crucial. Learner participation in school programs improves the level of interaction and understanding between students and faculty members. This, in turn, nurtures mutual respect for each other. Clubs and societies provide a convenient platform for bonding (Massoni, 2011). Erasing the zero-tolerance policy will reduce resentment against the employees. Expelled students may desire to seek revenge. They can plot attacks against personnel involved in the disciplinary process. Through talk therapy, learners have an opportunity to express their emotions through safe, nonviolent methods.

Benefits to the Students

Most students strive to behave appropriately in the presence of their parents. This is due to the innate respect kids have for adults. The parent patrol will act as a deterrent for learners who engage in disruptive behavior. The students also have someone to talk to even when they have an issue (Films Media Group, 2001). For instance, parent patrol can help students resolve conflicts peacefully. Sporting and club activities are beneficial to students. They get to spend their free time productively. For instance, activities of environmental, debating, and journalism clubs can help shape learners' personalities. Adopting a more accommodating approach such as talk therapy can help students (Gregory & Cornell, 2009). It offers them a safe, non-judgmental environment to express their emotions freely. Counseling can teach students how to deal with conflicts in nonaggressive ways.

Influence on the School Climate

The school is responsible for providing a conducive environment that supports educational processes. The primary goal of the outline strategies is to reduce the number of fights among students and attacks on staff members. Parent patrol will help in nurturing a supportive environment within and outside the school (Films Media Group, 2001). By serving as agents of peace and mentors for the students, discipline standards are likely to rise. Extra-curricular activities will keep the learners busy and promote a calm atmosphere (Massoni, 2011). An eventful school day ensures that learners have little time to engage in disruptive behaviors. A 'culture of calm' creates an environment that accommodates individuals' feelings. The will help to eliminate the revenge and violence culture.

Persons Responsible For Policy Enforcement

Dealing with the challenges of violence and discipline issues in school requires extensive input. Fostering good behavior is a continuous task that calls for the cooperation of all stakeholders (Brooks, 2009). However, specific persons shall oversee and coordinate the implementation of the discussed policies. For instance, parent representatives of each grade shall take charge of enforcing the parents' patrol program. The representatives shall steer the formation of a volunteer schedule for the program. Various departmental heads shall lead in implementing the clubs' strategy. Heads of the departments in the school will lead in the formation of educational clubs. The existing guidance and counselling department shall take up the role of fostering a 'culture of calm' in the school through talk therapy.

Consequences for Policy Violation

Violation of the parent patrol policy shall attract dire penalties. Students' violence that causes any physical harm to a parent shall compel the school to file a formal complaint. This is to ensure that learners exercise utmost restraint and respect when interacting with parents (Brooks, 2009). Disorderly learners who will perpetuate disruptive behaviors while conducting club sessions or events shall face suspension from the school. The essence of the strategy is to engage students in safe and productive forums. Actions that disrupt the functionality of services such as counseling that promote peace shall attract a suspension penalty. The harsh punishments are meant to deter students from violating the new policies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, violence and indiscipline in the school setting compromise the safety of the entire school population. The vice interrupts the learning processes and academic performance. There is a need to adopt new policies to ensure the security of students and personnel. Strategies such as parent patrol and provision of counseling services can help reduce the vice. Thus, successful implementation of the suggested policies requires an all-encompassing approach.

References

Brooks, S. M. (2009). A case study of school-community alliances that rebuilt a community. School Community Journal, 19(2), 59-80.

Diliberti, M., Jackson, M., & Kemp, J. (2017). Crime, Violence, Discipline, and Safety in US Public Schools: Findings from the School Survey on Crime and Safety: 2015-16. First Look. NCES 2017-122. National Center for Education Statistics.

Films Media Group. (2001). School shooting scenario [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.imdbg.com/list/ls072086427/

Gray, L., & Lewis, L. (2015). Public School Safety and Discipline: 2013-14. First Look. NCES 2015-051. National Center for Education Statistics.

Gregory, A., & Cornell, D. (2009). "Tolerating" adolescent needs: Moving beyond zero tolerance policies in high school. Theory into Practice, 48(2), 106-113.

Massoni, E. (2011). Positive effects of extra-curricular activities on students. Essai, 9(1), 27.