Complaint Processes, Policies, & Procedures

Policies & Procedures

• Non-Discrimination and Equality Statement

  Under the Safe Schools Act, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, and bullying are all behaviors that interfere with a student’s ability to learn. These behaviors negatively impact student engagement, safety, and the ability to foster a positive school environment. Inspire School of Arts & Sciences prohibits all acts of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, and bullying. This policy includes all instances that occur anywhere on the school campus, all school-sponsored events and activities (regardless of location), and through school or personally-owned technology, or other electronic means.

  As used in this policy, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, and bullying are described as intentional misconduct. This includes: verbal, physical, or written communication, and sexual amd nonsexual cyber-bullying. Any form of misconduct on any of the following grounds is violation of Title IX: actual or perceived characteristics of mental or physical disability, sex , sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, immigration status, nationality (including national origin, country of origin, and citizenship), race or ethnicity (including ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, ethnic background, or traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like braids, locks, and twists), religion or religious affiliation (including agnosticism and atheism), medical conditions (including pregnancy and related conditions), genetic information, marital or parental status, or age. These apply to any individual associated with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or any other grounds protected by applicable law, ordinance, or regulation.

  Any person seeking retaliation against an individual currently or formerly in violation of the Safe Schools Act will themselves be considered in violation of the Safe Schools Act. In addition, retaliation and bullying are encompassed by any form of misconduct described and prohibited by the definitions set forth in this Policy.

  To every extent possible, Inspire will make consistent efforts to prevent students from facing discrimination, harassement, intimidation, and/or bullying. Inspire will take action to investigate, respond, address, and report on such behaviors in a timely manner. Any school staff or faculty member that witnesses an act of misconduct prohibited by this Policy will take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so.

  Inspire School of Arts & Sciences does not tolerate any misconduct stated in this Policy from any individual. This includes: employees, independent contractors, students, volunteers, or any other persons with whom Inspire does business. This Policy applies to all relationships including those of employees, students, and any individuals previously stated, in disregard to position or gender. Inspire will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaint of such misconduct prohibited by this Policy and take appropriate corrective action.

• Sex Equity in Education Act

  Per the Sex Equity in Education Act, all students, staff, and faculty are entitled to the following list of rights. 

  If you feel any of your entitlements have been violated, please contact our Equity Coordinator, Evita North, at enorth@inspirechico.org or (530) 891-3090 x106.

  Entitlements for members of the Inspire School of Arts & Sciences community are stated as:

  1. You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
  2. You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics. 
  3. You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school. 
  4. You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships. 
  5. You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following: 
     • • Equipment and supplies.
       • Scheduling of games and practices. 
       • Transportation and daily allowances. 
       • Access to tutoring. 
       • Coaching. 
       • Locker rooms. 
       • Practice and competitive facilities. 
       • Medical and training facilities and services. 
       • Publicity.
  6. You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws. 
  7. You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws. 
  8. You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the State Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex. 
  9. You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against. 
  10. You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

  Click here for more information.

• Suicide Prevention

  If your student is thinking or talking about committing suicide or any other self harm, please click the image to access our suicide prevention plan.

  

• Employee/Student Interaction Policy

  Inspire School of Arts & Sciences recognizes its responsibility to make and enforce all rules and regulations around student and employee interactions. By enforcing ethics-related rules and regulations, staff members clearly understand the prohibitions and behavior boundaries in which their interactions must follow. Any Inspire employee accused of sexual misconduct, whether or not the accusation is true, becomes at risk for loss of their job, as well as for criminal and/or civil legal actions. All Inspire employees should seek guidance in their daily conduct from established policies, procedures, and directives as provided by the school administration.  Although this policy gives specific, clear direction, it is each staff member’s obligation to avoid any situations that could prompt suspicion by parents, students, colleagues, or school leaders. 

  Corporal Punishment

  Corporal punishment shall not be used as a disciplinary measure against any student. Corporal punishment includes the willful infliction of, or willfully causing the infliction of, physical pain on a student.

  Corporal punishment does not include an employee’s use of force that is reasonable and necessary to protect the employee, students, staff, or other persons or to prevent damage to property.

  The following examples are offered as an outline to direction and guidance for school personnel:

  Examples of prohibited actions; DEFINED as corporal punishment

  1. Hitting, shoving, pushing, or physically restraining a student as a means of control;
  2. Making students do push-ups, run laps, or perform other physical acts that cause pain or discomfort as a form of punishment;
  3. Paddling, swatting, slapping, grabbing, pinching, kicking, or otherwise causing physical pain. 

  Examples of acceptable actions; NOT defined as corporal punishment

  1. Stopping a student from fighting with another student;
  2. Defending yourself from physical injury or assault by a student;
  3. Forcing a pupil to give up a weapon or dangerous object;
  4. Requiring students involved in athletics to participate in strenuous physical training activities designed to improve their strength, condition, coordination, agility, and physical skills;
  5. Engaging in group calisthenics, team drills, or other physical education or voluntary recreational activities.

  Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Behavior

  Inspire School of Arts and Sciences prides itself on the high standards of behavior and professionalism required of its employees. Although there are specific situations outlined in this policy, it is each staff member’s obligation to discern and avoid any situation that could prompt suspicion by parents, students, colleagues, or school leaders.

  Violating and trespassing the boundaries of a student/teacher relationship is deemed an abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust. Some activities listed below may seem innocent from a staff member’s perspective, but can be perceived as flirtation or sexual insinuation from other’s points of view. The lists of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors are not to discourage relationships between staff and students that are positive and rooted in good intent, but to prevent relationships that could lead to, or may be perceived as sexual misconduct.

  Staff have a responsibility to ensure that they do not cross the boundaries defined in this policy. While sincere, competent, interaction with students fosters learning, student/staff interactions must have boundaries surrounding all potential activities, locations and situations, regardless of intent.

   

  Violations of this Policy

  Unacceptable Staff/Student Behaviors

  •         Gifting any items to an individual student that are, or could be perceived as, personal or intimate in nature.
  •         Kissing of ANY kind.  
  •         Any type of unnecessary physical contact with a student in a private situation.  
  •         Intentionally being alone with a student away from the school.  
  •         Making or participating in sexually inappropriate comments.  
  •         Listening to sexual jokes and/or comments with sexual double-entendre.  
  •         Listening to or telling sexually-oriented stories.  
  •         Seeking or offering emotional intimacy with a student beyond the normative care and concern required of an educator.  (ie. Discussing personal troubles or intimate issues with a student especially in an attempt to gain their support and understanding; discussing employment issues or personal issues at work.)
  •         Becoming involved with a student to a level that a reasonable person may suspect inappropriate behavior.  
  •         Remarks about the physical attributes or physiological development of a student–outside of an academic discussion that is part of a course curriculum.   
  •         Directly contacting students if the content is not about school activities.  
  •         Being alone in a room with a student at school and with the door closed, unless otherwise required as part of a state-mandated privileged conversation (ie. school counselors, psychologists, nurses etc).  
  •         Using profanity with or at a student.  
  •         Allowing students in your home without proper notification and notice to necessary parties.
  •         Giving students a ride to/from school or school activities without parent permission, or outside of a legally mandated purpose.

  Acceptable Behaviors

  •         Obtaining parents’ written consent for any after-school activities on or off-campus.  
  •         Obtaining formal written approval (from school site and parents) to take students off of school property for activities such as field trips or competitions.  
  •         Engaging in communication with students that is conventional, professional, and appropriate for school.
  •         Keeping the door open when alone with a student.  
  •         Informing and correcting students when they cross your own personal boundaries.  
  •         Refer students to the appropriate staff person, outside of yourself, that is trained to address their particular problems. 
  •         Be aware of the legally protected confidentiality rights of students and parents. 
  •         Keeping all necessary parties informed when a significant issue develops involving a student.  
  •         Asking for advice or help if you find yourself in a difficult situation related to boundaries.  
  •         Informing your supervisor if a conflict arises with a student, or a situation has the potential to become more severe.  
  •         Documenting detailed notes about an incident that could evolve into a more serious situation later. 
  •         Recognizing the inherent responsibility to stop unacceptable behavior of students and/or co-workers.  
  •         Giving students praise and recognition in ways that do not involve physical touch.  
  •         Keeping your professional conduct a high priority during all moments of student contact.  

  If you are unsure if an action is or isn’t acceptable, ask yourself, “Is following through with this action worth the potential to lose my job?”

   

  Reporting, Investigating, and Consequences

   

  Duty to Report Suspected Misconduct

  When any employee becomes aware of boundaries outlined in this policy being crossed, they are required to take action. They may speak to this staff member if the violation appears minor, but under no circumstances is it permitted to not report the matter to school administrators.

  If the observed behavior appears to be significant, it is the obligation of every staff member to immediately report the suspicion to an administrator. All reports must remain confidential. It is under the role of the administrator and/or HR to investigate the situation thoroughly, and report to necessary outside authorities. As well, it is vital that employees also report to the administration any awareness or concern of any behaviors that cross boundaries, or if a student appears to be at risk for sexual abuse.

  Investigating

  The designated representative of the event will promptly investigate and document the investigation of the sexual misconduct allegations. The representative may call on support staff or outside means of support when it is necessary and deemed appropriate. The investigating administrator or representative, and all others privy to the investigation, are required to protect the privacy of any affected student(s) and/or staff member(s), including potential witnesses.  The representative shall promptly notify the California Charter Schools Association Joint Powers Authority that an investigation is in progress; the administration shall notify the Governing Board in a closed session of the alleged event, and any investigations.  Upon completion of any investigations, the administration will report to the Governing Board any conclusions reached.  The designated representative shall consult with their legal counsel, prior to, during, and after conducting any investigations.  

  Consequences

  Staff members who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, such as immediate termination of employment and, where appropriate, will be reported to authorities for potential legal action. In appropriate instances, Inspire School of Arts and Sciences will collaborate with the Human Resources department, as well as with the California Charter Schools Association. 

  Training

  This document shall be discussed with and acknowledged by all Inspire employees as part of their initial employment. It will be reviewed on an annual basis, as part of the on-going expectations for all Inspire employees. The school administration and/or Board of Directors may require additional or alternative training as they see fit. 

• Math Placement Policy

  Per SB 359, Mitchell. (California Mathematics Placement Act of 2015, CMPA), California schools must have a fair, objective, transparent, and consistent mathematics placement policy. This policy applies to all students entering 9th grade. The CMPA aims to erase the far-reaching impact on students’ relationship with and understanding of mathematics by ensuring they are placed in the appropriate mathematics course. As well, findings to support the CMPA noted that students who are most often examples of mathematics misplacements are students of color. With this understanding Inspire works to maintain a placement policy with our nondiscrimination policy in mind. 

  When incoming 9th graders are granted access to begin selecting their course schedule for the upcoming school year, they are informed of the varying math classes available, and what would best align with their abilities. We offer the standard Common Core classes for the years required for our students. 

  Student’s select their math classes based on what math they are currently enrolled in for their 8th grade year. Math C is the common course name in Chico and surrounding areas for the 8th grade math course. Students are recommended to check in with their teachers during their 8th grade school year to determine if they will pass their current class. If the teacher expresses a hesitancy to confirm passing with a grade of C or higher, the student will be expected to sign up for Math C at Inspire. If the teacher is confident that the student will earn a grade of C or higher then the student will start the grade level sequence of math classes, starting at 9th grade, by signing up for Integrated Math 1-P. 

  In the event that a student has been accelerated in math during middle school and is currently taking Integrated Math 1 in their 8th grade year, the student will be allowed to sign up for Integrated Math 2-P, commonly the 10th grade math course.

  Once class schedules are submitted for approval, Inspire will compile a list of incoming 9th grade students, their previous schools, their most recent math class, and their teacher. Each teacher at each school will be contacted and given a list of their former students to give the final confirmation they have signed up for the appropriate class, given their abilities and comprehension. Schedules will be accepted and finalized after this confirmation is received. 

  During the first 2-3 weeks of school, math teachers provide new 9th grade students with either a set of tasks to complete or a diagnostics test to determine the student’s math comprehension, insight, and abilities. Having a clear understanding in these areas, teachers can then more accurately assess if the student has been placed in the appropriate level class. If a student is identified as being inappropriately placed in regard to their abilities, the teacher will meet with necessary parties (parents, school counselors, special education, etc.) to determine what the best placement for the student would be.

TITLE IX Coordinator Information