Recognizing that social-emotional literacy is closely related to academic achievement, Highline Public Schools has  identified continued social emotional development as a priority for both students and adults across the district. These efforts, combined with continued implementation of Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (SWPBIS), will serve as a foundation for our efforts to establish schools as welcoming and safe places where students and staff are respected and supported to succeed. Social Emotional Development and SWPBIS systems are based on research that indicates the importance of proactive strategies designed to promote development of social emotional competencies and also prevent problem behaviors. The Board supports instruction and implementation within a PBIS framework to promote school practices that:

• Create safer schools grounded in equity (Equity Policy 0010), improved student attendance, increased academic engaged time, and improved student achievement;
• Equip staff to continually strengthen their own emotional intelligence, as well explicitly teach students to do the same
• Develop self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, self-management, and relationship skills.
• Define, teach, and communicate clear expectations for student behavior that contributes to the academic and social success of all students;
• Provide consistency, fairness, and equitable interventions and supports across all schools in the district;
• Define, teach, and communicate clear expectations for staff responsibilities based on effective evidence-based practices that prevent problem behavior and promote learning;
• Facilitate students, staff, parents/guardians and the community working together to provide both academic and social/behavioral supports and skills to students;
• Provide a continuum of interventions at all tiers of instructional support based on best practices and cultural responsiveness essential to creating and maintaining a positive, respectful, and inclusive climate;
• Support students in learning the skills necessary to enhance a positive school climate and avoid negative behavior through meaningful instruction and guidance. 

The district shall annually publish a Student Rights and Responsibilities pamphlet which shall state the responsibilities and rights and the current general rules of student conduct. This pamphlet shall be made available annually to students and families in the Highline School District.

Cross Reference:
Rights and Responsibilities - Policy 3200
Student Conduct - Policy 3240

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: January 2014
Revised by the Board: November 2018
Classification: Discretionary