Teachers and principals could have more authority to suspend and expel students as part of a push to improve student behaviour in schools.
The NSW government has announced a revised behaviour policy that will be rolled out to the state’s public schools before the end of the year.
Educators are providing feedback on the proposed changes, which would give schools more authority to manage student behaviour.
That includes measures to address misbehaviour, such as providing schools with extra powers to suspend and expel students where necessary.
Education Minister Prue Car said students and teachers had a right to learn and work in safe classrooms.
“We have heard loud and clear from teachers and principals that the procedures introduced by the former government did not enable safe and respectful classrooms to be maintained for students and staff,” she said.
“Our schools must be safe learning environments, and our staff must have the support and authority they need to manage disruptive and challenging student behaviours.”
Teachers would still be expected to use positive teaching strategies in the classroom to minimise disruptions and encourage a good learning environment.
The policy is expected to be released to NSW public schools in term 4, 2023, so that teachers can train and become familiar with the changes.
It will then come into effect at the start of term 1, 2024.
