KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – There are growing concerns among parents and some Kalamazoo School Trustees about violent incidents in high schools this year.
Board Vice-Chair TiAnna Harrison proposed that students, staff and parents be surveyed on interventions they would like to see to improve culture and behavior in class, and that it be done this trimester.
“I understand the importance of policies and practices that make our community safer, and as a policy leader, I am charged with insuring that all students in my community have access to safe and supportive schools,” Harrison said.
Superintendent Dr. Rita Raichouduri says they are already doing that polling and have installed a 12-point action plan to beef up social interventions for students with repeated behavior issues.
“These are research-based interventions, but as with all interventions that are implemented for the first time, it takes time for fidelity of implementation, measurement of implementation, collection of data, etcetera.”
Trustee Jermaine Jackson says he would like to see a new emphasis put on respect and discipline, as well.
“I know we can’t prevent fights, but I believe we can put a harness on what will be tolerated in the school buildings,” Jackson said.
The Board sent the issue to a committee for further discussion, and they could come back with recommendations when the board meets Thursday night.
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