Integrating Proactive Discipline Practices into Codes of Conduct

The purpose of this article is to advocate for proactive content in discipline codes of conduct. Proactive discipline codes integrate Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies (Sugai & Horner, 2002) and attend to the academic needs of students (McEvoy & Welker, 2000). Proactive discipline codes of conduct have meaningful participation by key stakeholders (Noonan, Tunney, Fogal & Sarich, 1999). The limited efficacy of traditional reactionary approaches commonly found in discipline codes are reviewed (McEvoy & Welker, 2000; Skiba & Peterson, 1999). Following this, an argument is presented for a new proactive stance in the development of written codes of conduct. Specific examples of content are presented in a table.