When Dallas ISD took the bold step to eliminate discretionary out-of-school suspensions, it led to a dramatic shift in how schools handle discipline. This new effort paved the way for campus-based Reset Centers, which were rolled out across the district’s comprehensive secondary campuses. These centers provided a dedicated space on campus for the behavioral interventionists to work closely with students to help them process and reset behavior, while still keeping them engaged in their schoolwork.
In response to campus feedback, Dallas ISD is now looking to create a Central Reset Center where students who engage in certain Level II offenses such as fighting, bullying or Class C assault could be placed off-campus to receive support that addresses the core behavior issues.
The Board of Trustees will consider amending the Student Code of Conduct during the Dec. 16 meeting to create the Central Reset Center, which, if approved, would launch in January in Nolan Estes Plaza.
The Central Reset Center would embrace an on-site mental health clinician, social and emotional learning practices and modules designed to change behavior. Principals could place a student in grades 6 through 12 who commits a Level II offense in a Central Reset Center for a maximum of three days. A student who shows positive progress and actively participates in all assigned activities would have one day reduced from their assignment.
Parents would be required to bring students to the Central Reset Center for the first-day checkin and contract signature. Deputy Chief of Staff Sherry West Christian said parent involvement is critical since the most effective way to change behavior starts at home.
Rethinking discipline
Dallas ISD this school year funded a Reset Center Coordinator for all 52 comprehensive middle and high schools as part of an effort to eliminate out-of-school suspensions. Each comprehensive middle and high school also received resources for a Reset Center to help students work through behavioral concerns while remaining on campus.
Christian said the intention was never to replace progressive discipline measures with the Campus Reset Center. Students who continue to violate the Student Code of Conduct or participate in serious infractions could still go through the disciplinary alternative education program.
Christian said the Central Reset Center would be an additional campus resource for students who commit an offense that is too serious for a Campus Reset Center but doesn’t warrant the disciplinary alternative education program. The Campus Reset Centers and disciplinary alternative education program would still be in place.
“We are always listening to our schools to hear how we can best support their needs,” Christian said. “We think this could be a win-win for both our schools and our students.”
