File #: Res 0539-2018    Version: * Name: DOE to amend its 2017 Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning policy.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Education
On agenda: 9/26/2018
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the New York City Department of Education to amend its 2017 Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning policy.
Sponsors: Robert F. Holden
Council Member Sponsors: 1
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 539, 2. September 26, 2018 - Stated Meeting Agenda with Links to Files, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 09-26-2018, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - September 26, 2018

Res. No. 539

 

Resolution calling upon the New York City Department of Education to amend its 2017 Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning policy.

 

By Council Member Holden

 

Whereas, As reported by the New York Post, during school year 2017-18 there were 2,718 weapons confiscated in Department of Education (DOE) schools, which was a 28 percent increase from the previous school year; and

Whereas, At a November 2017 City Council hearing, New York Police Department Assistant Chief Brian Conroy testified that the majority of weapons confiscated in DOE schools, such as certain kitchen knives, are not illegal; and

Whereas, Assistant Chief Conroy also testified that under current DOE policy, students who bring these weapons to school are not arrested or given summonses; and

Whereas, According to a 2017 report released by New York University, some parents and teachers have stated that DOE’s discipline policy, outlined in the 2017 Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning policy, makes it challenging for educators to address student behavior issues; and

Whereas, This policy encourages schools to address student misbehavior through restorative justice practices, which provide an alternative approach to address student misconduct; and

Whereas, As reported in a 2017 Chalkbeat article, while there has been a notable decrease in student suspensions in DOE schools, due largely to the adoption of DOE’s current discipline policies, some teachers and critics argue that many schools are struggling to manage student behavior; and

Whereas, According to DOE’s 2018 School Student Survey results, in nearly all schools taking the survey, at least one student indicated that students have physical fights at their school; and

Whereas, DOE’s Bill of Student Rights and Responsibilities states that students are responsible for behaving in a way that contributes to a safe place that does not hinder other students’ right to an education; and

Whereas, Research completed by Duke University and the North Carolina Family Impact Seminar revealed that suspension is effective in removing students who misbehave from school, offering short-term breaks to frustrated school staff, and raising parent awareness of their child’s misbehavior; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Department of Education to amend its 2017 Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning policy.

 

 

 

 

LS # 6309

9/4/18

KJ