Pubdate: Wed, 06 Jul 2005 Source: Valley Voice, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Valley Voice Contact: http://www.valleyvoice.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1388 Author: Lenora Trenaman Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) SD8 ADOPTS CONTROVERSIAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY The School District #8 Board of Trustees adopted a controversial policy on the use of illegal drugs and alcohol at a recent board meeting. They went ahead despite the objections of parents. There has been much research that points to the ineffectiveness of suspensions as a form of discipline. The Ministry of Education's own document says that some of the unintended side-effects of suspensions are diminished self-esteem, diminished self-discipline, increased avoidance behaviours, decreased academic success, increased drop-out rate, increased stress level, increased anger levels, feelings of discouragement and increased risk of suicide. Parents are also concerned that by using suspensions, the example set for other students is that the consequence for using illegal drugs and alcohol in school is a holiday from school in front of the TV or Nintendo, or a chance to hang out downtown. Students contemplating use need to see a consequence that forces them to address their issues and to take responsibility for their actions. What kind of an example is a consequence that doesn't work? The students that would be worried about being suspended probably aren't the ones that need the example anyway. The school board should be developing a policy that encourages effective discipline, and support for our most vulnerable students. This policy does not do that. It did not pass without dissent, though. Two trustees expressed concerns that this policy conflicts with the Student Conduct and Discipline Policy. One trustee was concerned that the board has not done research on whether the use of suspensions in this district has been effective. She asked if students have learned their lesson after one suspension or are we getting repeat offenders. Both of these trustees voted against the adoption of this policy. On Thursday, June 23 at the last DPAC meeting of the year, parents encouraged the DPAC executive to continue to lobby for a policy that focuses on alternatives to suspensions. Parents have made it very clear that suspensions should only be used as a last resort. Lenora Trenaman, DPAC President - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom