As part of an ongoing effort to find alternative disciplinary methods, Toledo Public Schools will implement a new discipline code designed to keep more students in school.

After district officials spent three years reforming the existing policy, the school board approved a new disciplinary code this week that will scale back suspensions and expulsions while implementing intervention methods to address misbehavior.

“We focused on reducing exclusionary discipline and using more interventions that will keep students in their seats and the learning environment,” said Heather Baker, director of pupil placement and child adjustment services.

The policy encourages educators to enforce disciplinary actions that remove students from their regular classroom instruction as a “last resort.” They are directed to use other intervention techniques first.

The new code categorizes a variety of behaviors in one of three escalating “levels.”

The policy defines each infraction while also providing a list of supportive interventions and disciplinary responses. For example, “disruptive behavior” is a level 1 infraction, which recommends several intervention and discipline methods but does not warrant a suspension.

“We want to modify behavior,” Ms. Baker said. “We’re not looking to punish. We’re looking to teach.”

Toledo Public Schools issued 7,232 out-of-school suspensions last school year for disobedient and disruptive behavior, the second most in the state.

In an effort to reduce out-of-school suspensions, TPS implemented alternative suspension programs and behavioral intervention teams at some schools.

The new policy is part of a continued effort from the district to prioritize not only safety but also the academic growth of students, said James Gault, director of curriculum and instruction.

TPS will host a professional development day on Aug. 17 where the staff will be trained on the new discipline code, Mr. Gault said.

Suspensions and more punitive measures, including referring students to law enforcement, is still allowed for infractions that threaten the safety of students and staff.

But students are entitled to a conference with the principal or school staff when they are removed from the classroom or school.

Advocates have long pushed to reshape discipline policies in school systems, often saying that removing students from school stunts their academic progress.

A bipartisan bill pending in the House would prohibit Ohio schools from suspending students in pre-kindergarten through third grade unless a case involves drugs, weapons, or a physical threat toward teachers or other students.

Toledo Federation of Teachers President Kevin Dalton said the teachers union would be happy if the discipline code is implemented and enforced consistently, including rewards for positive behavior and consequences for negative behavior.

“Our teachers want safe classrooms, and they want the ability to be able to teach and work with students without the interference of disruptive behavior,” Mr. Dalton said.

Contact Javonte Anderson at janderson@theblade.com, 419-724-6065, or on Twitter @JavonteA.

First Published June 27, 2018, 10:05 p.m.