Recommendations for Chicago Public Schools

Policy Recommendations — By on February 2, 2011 7:08 pm

The Taskforce has issued the following recommendations for Chicago Public Schools:

1.     MANDATE SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION EDUCATION

The CPS policy on Dating Violence (08-0625-P02) currently does not set requirements for dating or sexual violence prevention education, but states that teachers “may” access lesson plans and partner with local anti-violence organizations. This should be changed to a requirement.

2.     GRIEVANCE PROCESS

The Taskforce supports efforts by Gender JUST to create a “Grievance Process” for students who experience violence at the hands of teachers and other staff in Chicago Public Schools. We urge Chicago Public Schools to work with Gender JUST to implement this process, and to include a youth voice in developing the grievance process.

3.     RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES

Chicago Public Schools should prioritize Restorative Justice practices over policies which push students out and/or criminalize youth, when appropriate.  The Taskforce encourages Chicago Public Schools to implement Restorative Justice practices in response to minor school infractions and as a tool for violence prevention. The Taskforce supports efforts by Blocks Together and other groups to implement restorative justice trainings for security guards, and urges Chicago Public Schools to implement these trainings immediately.