Tsdc's Model Code Of Conduct

TSDC's Model Code of Conduct (Model Code) is offered as a best practice of how school administrators can develop a student code of conduct that (1) is compliant with recent changes to Illinois law (see Public Act 98-1102 and Public Act 99-0456) and (2) advances the goal of fairness and equity in the discipline process.

In some places, the Model Code goes beyond the strict requirements of current law to encompass the intent behind legislative reforms. Reducing the use of exclusionary school discipline requires a fundamental shift in school climate. Therefore, the Model Code embraces prevention-oriented policies coupled with a student-centered approach. Our strategies are designed to keep students in school, fully engaged and on track to graduate.

This Code is not intended to be adopted in isolation from other necessary school culture changes. Schools are encouraged to continue developing practices to prevent school violence and build a positive school climate. Examples of such practices include developing an inclusive and supportive curriculum, providing effective and culturally-relevant behavior supports, implementing restorative practices, offering classroom consultation and support, providing ongoing professional development and examining the role of implicit biases in the classroom and school community. We recognize that this is a challenging and ongoing process. 

We hope that this model code supports your efforts as we all continue to make sure that our schools provide the very best education to all students in Illinois.