Behavaior Standards Project by District

I know that all of us in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) want to help our young people learn and grow. The richest environments for learning and teaching don’t just happen – we create them. Having the highest expectations for our students, our colleagues and ourselves is key in realizing our mission of preparing all students for college, career and life.

 

MPS is launching the behavior standards project, a school district and community collaborative effort to create and sustain positive and respectful climates for learning and teaching. We are all in this work together. We invite you to be a part of the process of clarifying behavior expectations for all students and clarifying appropriate staff responses to student behavior. The project involves engaging students, families and staff to gather ideas and suggestions about ways we can foster positive and respectful environments for learning and teaching. This important feedback will inform the project results, which include positive behavior expectations, an updated MPS discipline policy and procedures, a code of conduct, information for families and training for staff members.

 

Your engagement and feedback in this effort are instrumental. Specifically, we want to hear from you about what’s working – the techniques, strategies or research that has helped you create positive learning environments. We also want to hear about where you could use some help. In early March, teachers and educational support professionals (ESPs) will be invited to participate in an online facilitated discussion led by the VIVA Teachers Project. Principals and assistant principals will work through their union, the Principals’ Forum. Other staff members will also have opportunities to provide input. Through area meetings, parents and families will be able to offer comments and suggestions about appropriate school behavior and respectful environments. Students will also have opportunities to comment and we will be in touch with MPS community partners who work with our students to solicit their input as well.

 

We are committed to helping staff members, families and students work together to establish a positive and respectful environment for learning. Holding ourselves accountable for creating engaging environments for our diverse student body is just as important as holding our students accountable to clear expectations.

 

I appreciate
your continued support as we improve our policies and procedures to ensure student success.

Sincerely,

 

Bernadeia H. Johnson, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools