Supportive discipline is an important part of the work undertaken in schools each day to help students develop and extend their capabilities in self-management and personal responsibility. The focus for teachers is on implementing proactive,
preventative approaches that facilitate student growth.
At times, disciplinary consequences may be used as part of a student’s educative process. The role of disciplinary consequences is to assist students to understand behavioural expectations and to learn more acceptable ways of interacting and engaging with others.
Disciplinary consequences may include in-class responses managed by the teacher, such as verbal reprimands, restatement of rules or expectations, reminders and practise of routines, restriction or removal of in-class privileges, behaviour monitoring systems, time out,
detention and communication with parents.
For persistent or more serious behavioural incidents, other within-school disciplinary consequences may be implemented, such as temporary relocation to a 'buddy' classroom, individual review meetings with nominated staff person (e.g. Guidance Officer, Head of Department), and/or
intensive support options.
Principals and teachers need to make sure that decisions about discipline at school are fair, balanced and ethical. These decisions can have a serious effect on the student and their family, including limiting their human rights.
Prior to making a decision about the suitability of any disciplinary consequence, the principal will consider the individual circumstances of a student. This will include their behaviour history, disability, mental health and wellbeing, religious and cultural considerations, home environment and care arrangements. There are no mandated consequences used in Queensland state schools, each individual student case is considered and determined by the principal based on the particular circumstances.
An
information sheet: school discipline decisions—considering individual circumstances for students with disability is available to support principals and school staff in making fair, balanced and ethical school discipline decisions.
Suspensions, exclusions and cancellations of enrolment are used as a last resort option by principals, after considering individual circumstances, the actions of the student and the needs and rights of other school community members.