The problem with OSS is that it places middle school age children on the streets replacing the structured, safe school environment. (Student Code, 2008) According to the State of Texas Department of Education (2008), there are some offenses that can cause immediate school expulsion. These major wrongdoings are known as zero-tolerance offenses that carry a mandatory one-year expulsion from all ISD schools. Parents can petition the school board for an appeal if they are not in agreement with the penalties or feel that the process was not handled fairly. These infractions are, but not limited to, physical or sexual assault, possessing a firearm, drug possession for use or sell, and gang assault. This policy is used as a deterrent for excessively harmful behavior (TEA.com). School lockdowns occur when there is a threat to the safety and well being of everyone at the school. Bad choices by students that can result in the harm of anyone in the school Carrying a gun or knife to school, reported drug possessions in the school, dangerous community situations such as, neighborhood robberies, police stand-offs, hazardous chemical exposures, and other unsafe situations result in aforementioned lockdowns. All lockdowns at Elementary School are taken …show more content…
Retrieved January 18, 2006, from HYPERLINK http//www.tea.state.tx.us http//www.tea.state.tx.us EMERGENCY PLANNING With our modern technology today, there are more ways to learn about and inflict violence and destruction to our nation and our intuitions, including schools. Transportation freedom and methods can move people and materials all over the country in days if not hours. There is more information concerning violence and how to construct and inflict terror than ever before in our history. Schools must take this into consideration and formulate plans to protect students and staff members. These plans must be updated on a regular basis as situations change in the schools. Keep in mind, that prevention is the best safety feature a school can utilize. Due diligence by all staff members is very important. They are all important in keeping the school safe, and should be constantly reminded of that fact. THE PLAN Naturally any plan will depend on the situationthe region of the country, the school location, and the physical layout of the school as well as any specific individual circumstances. Set up a committee comprised of staff members and stake holders,