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Central Middle reports sharp decline in referrals after new discipline structure
Summary
Deans reported large month-over-month drops in student referrals at Central Middle School after implementing a progressive-discipline matrix, restorative practices and targeted dean interventions.
Central Middle School leaders told the Evergreen Park ESD 124 board on Oct. 15 that referrals and the number of students receiving referrals have fallen sharply following a series of changes to discipline process and supports.
Dean John Jensen and Dean Danielle Weston presented data showing a 49% decrease in referrals in August compared with the prior year, and a 73% decrease in referrals in September; the number of students receiving referrals fell by roughly 50% in August and by 67% in September. Jensen and Weston attributed the declines to implementation of a progressive-discipline matrix, stronger tier 1 and tier 2 supports, and an emphasis on restorative practices handled in-house rather than by office referral.
The deans described several operational changes: classroom-level supports and coaching for teachers to manage low-level disruption; proactive meetings with approximately 40 students early in the school year to set expectations; a Dean's Challenge incentive program and student-of-the-month recognition; and a reduced pass time from four minutes to three minutes to limit hallway downtime. In-school suspension was restructured with a consistent supervising staff member and a schedule of reflection activities rather than unstructured time.
Jensen and Weston said the team focused on building rapport, increasing hallway visibility and clarifying expectations so that students and families understand consequences and supports. The deans also noted that many repeat-ID violations stemmed from executive functioning issues rather than deliberate defiance; changes were made to address those needs instead of immediately escalating consequences.
The deans described additional supports: Dean's groups for social and emotional skills, restorative paperwork and work assignments for students serving time, and collaboration with the student support services department to maintain fidelity to tier 2 and tier 3 interventions.
Board member David Shepherd praised the reduction in referrals and invited Central leaders to share specific strategies with board safety and community committees. The deans said they would continue data-driven monitoring and outreach to families.
The presentations credited a combination of clearer expectations, teacher training and targeted student interventions for the reduced referrals; district staff said the work will continue with a focus on sustainability and consistency across buildings.
