Chronically under-performing schools often have major discipline problems. How does AUSL address discipline?
It sounds simplistic, but when a turnaround school first opens the new staff sets the stage by letting the students know from day one that they have high expectations. Also, every adult in the school understands and is committed to ensuring that the school’s culture and climate are orderly, safe, and conducive to learning. Culture and policies are determined on a school-by-school basis. They may include things such as a school uniform policy, requiring the students to assemble in straight lines before entering the building at the start of each school day, not allowing students to be in the halls without adult supervision, not allowing cell phones, gum chewing, etc. The school’s policies and procedures are consistently applied and the students adapt to the changes very quickly. Adults at AUSL schools know that letting things slide does students a disservice. For example, if a discipline problem continues with a particular student, the principal typically will meet as soon as possible wi
