<p>Hello !
I am currently the elected Senator for Student Discipline in my
school. Our school is currently running under a demerit system.
(to those of you who do not know what it is… its like “bad points”. with enough of them you can be kicked out)</p>
<p>Here is the question…</p>
<p>How much will spearheading the change from a demerit system to a honor code system in my highschool help? Assuming that all goes well and it will be implmented within the next year or two, do u guys think it will be seen as a ‘big thing’ by admin???</p>
<p>Here is the Introduction page of my 18 page proposal.</p>
<p>“The ********** is a campus and, more importantly, a community of people exceeding 800 students and adults. Like any other institution, <strong><em>adopts rules, regulations, consequences and punishments that ensure a safe and fair educational environment for all. The schools intention is, as the Student Handbook declares, to increasingly foster self-discipline and prepare students to responsibly handle freedom (Students Handbook *</em>).
Admittedly, the current Expectations and Procedures outlined in the Student Handbook are fairly effective means to ensure an orderly and functional community. However, this specific approach guarantees certain setbacks. The students do not choose to honor the existing rules and regulations but are rather subject to them and whatever consequences that may follow. The current system runs on the hope that the threat of heavy punishment will deter students from making bad choices. This is evident from this years attempt to cut down on widespread cheating on tests, done by raising the bar of the consequences.
Fear of repercussions should not be the reason why students follow rules. Students should follow rules because they believe that it is the right thing to do. In the case of an infraction, they not only violate a rule but also compromise their own worth. Students should be in control of their decisions and not simply be subjected to consequences that are chosen for them. It is this independent mindset of integrity that </strong><strong><em>ultimately strives to encourage in its student body. A rule- oriented atmosphere does not foster the self- discipline students will need for the independent choices that they will have to make in High School and in life. It is such a system that inevitably pits student against faculty, creating an antagonistic environment where students see discipline as a them versus us issue. This is a serious concern, seeing that it discourages </em></strong>**'s value of community and trust.
In a community devoted to learning, a foundation of honor among individuals must exist if that community is to thrive with respect and harmony amongst its members. If the school makes the conscious attempt to de-emphasize punishment, and instead strive to change the mindset of students and cooperate in creating a respectful, honorable environment, incidents of stealing, cheating and lying will become rare events. Such an occurrence is something that has never been truly achieved with the disciplinary system we enforce today.”</p>
<p>Thanks guys… so what think?</p>
<p>Big thing that will help? or just another little EC?</p>