Conduct and Discipline

The discipline policy of the Palo Alto Unified School District complies with the California Education Code, Title V of the California Administrative Code, and the California Penal Code (Copies will be available upon request from the Associate Superintendent-Educational Services).

The Maintenance of effective school discipline is a significant part of the educational process and is important in providing meaningful learning experiences. Discipline should not simply be punishment for misbehavior, but should also include active, positive efforts to change behavior. Although often necessary, and an effective short-term deterrent to behavior problems, punishment alone is the least effective means of changing behavior. Effective behavioral change includes individualized efforts to teach acceptable school behaviors and to reinforce self-esteem. Discipline at the site level should include positive behavioral support to assist students in resolving problem behavior and encourage personal responsibility. In order to be effective, consequences for misbehavior should be : (1) graduated, (2) the responsibility of the student, and (3) consistently monitored for the entire period of disciplinary action. The goal of all discipline should be to encourage positive behavior and to produce a safe environment for all student. The most effective discipline plans are the product of mutually supportive parent-school partnerships.

Students at Palo Alto Chinese School are expected to comply with the law and with expectations and regulations of the school district and the school. By law students can be suspended or expelled for the fifteen infractions mentioned under the section titled, "Grounds for suspension/Expulsion." In cretain serious cases, referral to the police and/or to the district for consideration of expulsion are mandatory.