Transportation and bus behavior are normally an integral part of the student's program. Because of the significance of this service for maintaining effective programs for the variety of disabling conditions, the Transportation Supervisor should be involved with the IEP team to assist in providing answers to such questions as:

S/He can also be helpful in incorporating behavioral transportation goals into the IEP's and determining appropriate means of discipline, including the possible removal from a vehicle.

As participants in and recipients of special education planning, transportation staff need to be advised that the information they deal with is confidential and protected by Federal law.

Managing student behavior on the bus should be done primarily through teaching appropriate bus-riding skills. To teach bus-riding skills, a limited number of simple rules defining what the student is to do, feedback on how well it is done, and backup positive consequences are necessary. In teaching bus-riding skills, it is necessary to work on a small number of behaviors at a time (one or two). As a student learns a behavior, another behavior can be taught.

Behaviors that present a potentially dangerous risk of harm to the student or others on the bus require special attention. An attack on another person or running from the bus are two (2) examples of behaviors that present high risk of harm and require documentation and follow-up with appropriate school staff.

General Guidelines The safety of students and staff is of paramount importance, and control of dangerous and/or illegal weapons is a particularly sensitive and critical responsibility. While it is desirable to gain physical control over any such weapon brought onto the bus, it is recognized that in specific instances it may be more prudent to not call attention to the weapon or to avoid a confrontation that may provoke a greater danger. If the situation begins to get out of control, seek assistance from the base. If the weapon is observed on the way to the school, report its existence to the principal or transportation Superintendent immediately upon arrival at school.

The bus driver will not ask for the weapon unless s/he feels absolutely confident that the situation can be handled safely. It should be reported to the principal who will notify the proper authorities. An incident report shall be filed.

It is the District's intent to stop unacceptable behavior by using the minimum force necessary.

When necessary, a staff member may use reasonable physical force to stop an action that presents the risk of harm to the student or to others. This may include use of physical force to stop the action but would not extend to gross abuse and disregard for the health and safety of the student. Use of physical force should at all times be temperate and not excessive.

In the event a student has demonstrated severe behavior problems at school and cannot be adequately brought under control for the ride home, the student will not be placed on the bus. The student will remain at school and the parents called to transport the student home. If the parent cannot provide transportation, alternate means will be provided. It may be necessary for the transportation department to return to the school after completion of the normal bus run and after the student has regained control.

If a student is suspended from transportation, a meeting will be held prior to the student's resuming transportation. The meeting should include the building principal, transportation supervisor, bus driver, case manager, aide, and the parent. The meeting should address: