Pot times
SD8 Adopts Controversial Drug And Alcohol
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1087/a06.htmlNewshawk: Herb
Pubdate: Wed, 06 Jul 2005 SD8 ADOPTS CONTROVERSIAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
Source: Valley Voice, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Valley Voice
Contact:
valleyvoice@netidea.com
Website: http://www.valleyvoice.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1388
Author: Lenora Trenaman
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm
(Youth)
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
