October 4, 2011
State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Urges Schools to Consider
Alternative Discipline for Disruptive Students to Keep Them in School
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today issued the following statement during the National Week of Action on school discipline occurring October 1-8:
"A single disruptive student can distract an entire class from learning, which is why it's so important that all students grant their teachers the respect and attention they deserve. Students who fall short of that standard need to be held responsible for their actions.
"I urge school districts, when setting discipline policies appropriate for their communities, to recognize that all children benefit from being in school and consider appropriate alternatives to suspensions and expulsions such as teaching positive behavior and employing intervention techniques to prevent misbehavior in the classroom.
"During this National Week of Action, I encourage all students to stay in school and talk with their teachers about appropriate behavior. I also encourage educators to use this week as a teachable moment to help troubled youth stay on the path to graduation and future success."
For more information on safe school environments, please visit the California Department of Education's Web site at Safe Schools - Learning Support.