STATE SCHOOLS ADOPT NEW BEHAVIOUR STANDARDS

State schools across Queensland will place a stronger emphasis on discipline in 2007 with the introduction of the Code of School Behaviour.

Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, said the Code of School Behaviour outlined the responsibilities that all members of a school community were expected to uphold.

“We have developed this new approach to school discipline after speaking to parents and school communities throughout Queensland,” Mr Welford said.

“Over the past 12 months, our state schools have been tailoring individual strategies in readiness for the Queensland-wide introduction of the Code in 2007.

“Allowing state schools to individualise their own Responsible Behaviour Plans acknowledges the fact that many students come from diverse backgrounds and may need tailored assistance.

“There will be a range of consequences, developed in consultation with school communities, applied to behaviour that does not comply with the new Code.

“Put simply, we want to ensure students can go to school in a safe and supportive environment where bullying is not tolerated and there are clear boundaries for everyone.

“It will reinforce the values being taught in our state schools by delivering on community expectations through appropriate disciplinary approaches.”

Mr Welford said the Beattie Government was committed to strengthening school discipline and promoting positive behaviour in the classroom.

“An online course for professional development for teachers and teacher-aides in behaviour management is being launched this year,” he said.

”The Better Behaviour, Better Learning online course will allow teachers, no matter what their experience level or location, to attend online workshops on managing classroom behaviour.”

Funding for these programs was provided by the Beattie Government’s $28.6 million budget commitment to strengthen school discipline and promote positive student behaviour.

Media contact: Greg Milne on 32371000