ADMINISTERING DUE PROCESS

CHERRYL M. BULANADI

Administering due process in school is an essential component of management and administration as this recognizes the importance of safeguarding a student’s constitutional rights, particularly when subject to disciplinary procedures.

The purpose of administering due process in accordance to rules and policies for student conduct is to promote and maintain an atmosphere which is conducive to learning and which is conducive to carrying out the educational function and school purposes of the school.

Student supervision and the desirable behavior of students are responsibilities shared by students, parents and teachers subject to the control of the principal of each school and the supervisory authority of the school administrative staff.

Standards of conduct apply in general to behavior in the classroom, on the school grounds, to all school sponsored functions and to any behavior outside of school which causes a substantial and material disruption of an educational function or school pur poses.

Rules or guidelines pertaining to student conduct are intended as a basis for the development of positive attitudes and appropriate behavior on the part of students interacting with parents, teachers, administrators and others and are not meant to be punitive measures.

In administering due process, the school administration will promptly investigate the allegation and communicate with the students and their parents. The administration has the latitude to also include an educational component as part of the discipline.

Due process is vital in school administration as all matters relating to the discipline and conduct of students, school personnel stand in the relation of parents and guardians to the students of the school.

Administering due process sets responsible directions of school personnel and students in all educational settings that prevents disruptive behavior which interferes with the educational environment. — oOo—

The author is Administrative Officer II at Justino Sevilla High School