The overhaul of the Student Behaviour Policy followed what the State Government said was widespread feedback from teachers and principals that the former behaviour strategy undermined teachers’ authority to maintain calm in their classrooms and impacted on student learning.
The proposed changes include increasing powers for principals to deal with the suspension and expulsion of students.
NSW Teachers Federation Henry Rajendra said the new procedures prioritised the rights of teachers to teach and students to learn in a classroom environment that was orderly and free of persistent and sustained disruption.
“Further, the new procedures restores and upholds the authority of principals and teachers to manage student behaviour with such decisions supported by the Department,” Mr Rajendra said.
“While the new procedures go to suspension and expulsion specifically, the Government and education department must urgently provide the necessary additional specialist staffing and resources to assist schools to support students with complex needs.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, said that it was important all students had a classroom environment that minimised disruptions, maximised teacher instruction time and enhanced learning.
“Students and teachers have a right to learn and work in safe classrooms,” she said.
“Our schools must be safe learning environments and our staff must have the support and authority they need to manage disruptive and challenging student behaviours.”
