Developmentally Appropriate Consequences
At each level of the discipline matrix, administrators will take the student’s age and developmental level into consideration. We know that we must teach behavioral expectations, especially for our youngest learners. For students in TK-grade 2, this SRCS Elementary School Referral System will be used.

First Violation
In most cases, students will be assigned a restorative intervention for a first violation of an Education Code. However, for a first time violation of Section 48900 (A) through (E) or when a student’s presence on campus poses a danger to others, the student may be suspended per Education Code 48900.5 (edited 9/9/23)

Disrupt Disproportionality in Disciplinary Consequences for Students of Color
Research shows that students of color and students with disabilities have been disproportionately assigned exclusionary (out of school or classroom) consequences across the United States. Administrators will use a racially and culturally conscious approach to school discipline focused on building relationships and repairing harm.

Student Confidentiality
Although students and families may be curious to know the assigned consequences to a student other than their own after a specific incident, it is the responsibility of the school district to maintain confidentiality. Consequences may not be the same for every student in each incident.

Jurisdiction
A student may be assigned consequences for incidents that occur at any time during the following:

1. While on school grounds.
2. While going to or coming from school.
3. During the lunch period whether on or off the campus.
4. During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity.
5. *On social media, if it is a case of cyberbullying between students

Discretionary vs. Mandatory Offenses
Administrators will decide the consequences for the “discretionary” California Education Codes in the matrix below. For “mandatory” offenses, administrators must recommend the student be expelled from the district due to the severity of the offense per education codes. Situations or negative student behaviors not addressed in this plan will be subject to SRCS Board Policy and California Education Code.

Alternatives to Suspension
In 2019, the California Department of Education updated the guidance around school disciplinary consequences. Positive behavior incentives, restorative conversations, counseling services, among other interventions support students who are struggling with behavior management. Schools use a systems approach for student support that leads to a referral to the site Coordination of Services Team who discuss student cases and assign interventions.

Download the complete SRCS Student Behavior Intervention & Discpline Matrix Document: English  |  Spanish