On Tuesday night, leaders will launch a new discipline matrix for children from kindergarten through to Year 12.
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Leaders say it’s not a matter of new rules but communicating them in a very clear way: ensuring uniformity across every school.
“I do think kids thrive in structure where they understand consequences,” said parent Bailey Gurney. “We try to teach kids that your actions, good or bad, have consequences, so if you make a mistake, you know what will happen.”
As a result, Gurney supports Rock Hill Schools’ efforts to roll out a new subject matrix for K-12 students. They outline exactly what should happen when students break the rules. Leaders told Channel 9 on Monday the idea was to make discipline clear, consistent and transparent.
“It’s going to be fair across the board and we’re going to follow the policy,” said Rock Hill School Board member Jennifer Hutchinson. “Teachers have a responsibility to know what they need to do to manage their classrooms and help manage their students.”
Hutchinson said the district will also conduct classroom management training for teachers.
“The goal along the way is that teachers will have more tools to deal with student differences,” she said.
Gurney appreciates the effect and hopes the extra communication will reduce stress on teachers. Help them refocus on education, not just discipline.
“I have friends who teach in high schools and special schools, and it’s really difficult to deal with these behaviors in a way that keeps parents from being angry with you but also satisfies the school,” Gurney said.
District leaders will present the new matrix to the school board at its meeting tomorrow night.
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