Tiered Responses to Student Behavior

Tiered responses to student behavior are part of a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework that includes instructional, preventive, and proactive strategies. When students do not meet behavioral expectations, they receive interventions and supports to address the root causes of the behavior and learn acceptable replacement behaviors. Through the use of restorative practices, students will acquire an understanding of respect for self and others and skills to become good citizens. Interventions and responses that include the use of restorative practices do not replace consequences for violations of the “Code of Behavior." When a specific student’s behavior does not change following an intervention or the behavior increases in frequency, intensity, or duration, a problem-solving approach identifies alternative interventions and responses.

Level 1 Responses

Level 1 responses are intended to prevent further behavioral issues while keeping the student in school.

Examples of School/Classroom Interventions and Disciplinary Responses:

Level 1 Interventions

• Parent or guardian contact.
• Class meeting.
• Confiscation of disruptive communication and entertainment devices.
• Focus on prevention of tobacco and vaping use.
• Re-teaching or modeling of desired behavior.
• Recognize and reward appropriate behavior.
• Administrator and student conference and/or administrator/student/teacher conference.
• Written reflection or letter of apology.
• Peer mediation or conflict resolution.
• Behavior progress chart.
• Community service (appropriate to correct the behavior).
• Administrator, teacher, parent or guardian conference.
• Referral to Threat Assessment Team.

Level 1 Disciplinary Responses

• Restitution.
• Seat change.
• Loss or temporary suspension of school privileges.
• Confiscation.
• Detention (before school, at lunch, after school).

Level 2 Responses

Administrative responses and interventions at this level are designed to prevent further behavior issues and keep the student in school. Depending upon the severity of the behavior, short-term removal of the student from the classroom may be appropriate.

In-school suspension (1-2 days) with behavioral instruction and academic support.

Examples of Administrative Interventions and Disciplinary Responses:

Level 2 Interventions

• Student conference.
• Restorative Practices Conference and/or Circle (formal).
• Administrator, teacher, counselor, student conference (includes re-teaching of expected behavior).
• Administrator, teacher, parent or guardian conference.
• Check-in and check-out.
• Mentor.
• Mediation or conflict resolution.
• Referral to support services (e.g., School Counselor, Behavior Interventionist, Mentor Program, and Problem-Solving Team (for example, MTSS), Substance Use and Intervention Program).
• Referral to Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Team.
• Referral to Threat Assessment Team.
• Community service (appropriate to correct the behavior).
• Referral for community-based services.

Level 2 Disciplinary Responses

• Schedule change.
• Detention (before school, at lunch, or after school).
• Saturday school.
• Restitution.
• Confiscation.
• Loss or temporary suspension of school privileges.
• In-school suspension with behavioral interventions and/or restorative practices (1-3 days).

Level 3 Responses

Depending upon the severity, chronic nature of the behavior, and/or safety concerns, Level 3 behaviors may result in the student’s short-term removal from school.

Examples of Extended Suspension and Disciplinary Responses:

Level 3 Interventions

• Administrator/teacher/parent/guardian conference.
• Behavior contract (developed with and signed by the student, parent or guardian, and school officials).
• Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
• Referral to Threat Assessment Team.
• Referral to an appropriate community-based agency, mental health service, substance abuse counseling service, etc.

Level 3 Disciplinary Responses

• Detention(s).
• In-school suspension with restorative practices (three or more days, not to exceed five days).
• Revocation of privileges.
• Restitution.
• Referral to alternative education programs.
• Short-term out-of-school suspension (1-3 days for elementary students, 1-5 days for secondary students) with a restorative circle or conference upon return.
• Referral to law enforcement if required by local policy.

Level 4 Responses

Some Level 4 behaviors require a report to the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee (Student Hearings Department - SHD) as outlined in the Code of Virginia § 22.1-279.3:1. A referral to SHD does not automatically result in a long-term suspension, change of placement, or expulsion. After a review of the incident in context, SHD may return students to the comprehensive setting with additional supports and/or responses to be implemented.

Level 4 Behavioral Interventions (in addition to those listed in Levels 1-3)

• Parent-administrator-teacher-student behavior contract.
• Referral for community-based services.
• Threat Assessment as indicated by the behavior.
• Schedule change.
• Restitution via written contract.

Level 4 Disciplinary Responses

• Referral to law enforcement for behaviors that may constitute a felony or that are required by local policy.
• Long-term revocation of privileges.
• Short-term out-of-school suspension (1-3 days for preschool to grade three students, 4-10 days for fourth- to sixth-grade students, or 5-10 days for seventh- to twelfth-grade students).
• Recommendation for a long-term suspension as determined by local policy or by Code (11 to 45 days as defined in Code of Virginia § 22.1-276.01).

Level 5 Responses

Level 5 responses are reserved for those behaviors that require a referral to the Student Hearings Department (SHD). For preschool to grade three students, any suspension beyond three days must meet the criteria for aggravating circumstances and be approved by the Superintendent’s designee (Level Associate Superintendent). A referral to the Superintendent’s designee or SHD may not automatically result in an expulsion, alternative placement, school reassignment, or long-term suspension. Appropriate behavioral interventions and instructional supports should accompany any removals from the student’s regular school setting by the Superintendent or designee.

Required School-Based Administrative Responses to Level 5 Behaviors

• Threat Assessment as indicated by the behavior.
• Referral to law enforcement for behaviors that may constitute a felony or that are required by local policy.
• Referral to the Student Hearings Department for further disciplinary action.
• Long-term suspension (11-45 days) as defined in the Code of Virginia § 22.1-276.01.
• Alternative placement.
• Expulsion.

These interventions and responses aim to teach appropriate and alternative behavior so students can learn and demonstrate safe and respectful behavior. The examples above are not all-inclusive nor required to be exhaustive. In every case, the staff should consider revisions to plans supporting students with individual student needs (Student Support Plan, Child Find, IEP, or 504).