Education Q&A -- A Disciplinary Record Is Not Always Permanent

Q.: When I was in school, teachers told us our missteps would go on our "permanent records," the same threat made frequently by Principal Skinner on "The Simpsons." I've sometimes wondered whether such a record exists, how permanent it really is, what it's for and who sees it. - S.C., Bothell.

A.: Yes, there is indeed a "permanent record," but disciplinary matters aren't on it. The permanent record, which follows a student from kindergarten through 12th grade wherever he goes - and is kept in district offices apparently until the end of time - contains the academic and health profiles of a student: grades, test scores, immunization records and items such as whether a student received special services, such as speech class.

"The permanent record Principal Skinner has - that's typically called a discipline file," said Gary Vegar, principal at Stanwood High School. "These are typically files that are kept on attendance problems like truancy, and discipline referrals, which can be anything from class disruption up to referrals for criminal activity."

These records are semipermanent, and, depending on the district, may be kept with the permanent record or in a separate file.

In Stanwood, for instance, a disciplinary file is begun in first grade and kept through fifth grade, then destroyed. Then a new file is begun in sixth grade that follows the student through high school. The file is there, even if a student never has a

disciplinary infraction. "A flat file is a good sign. One that's an inch thick, you know you have a problem," Vegar said.

The files are used to keep tabs on students' behavior and note patterns as a way of understanding the student - and meting out appropriate discipline. A first fight, for instance, would be dealt with less severely than a third. In Stanwood, discipline files are destroyed three years or so after a student graduates or otherwise leaves the district.

The Shoreline district, on the other hand, keeps discipline referrals in the permanent file, which is kept for five years after a student leaves the district. Then, grade transcripts and immunization records are pulled out and sent to the district office to be kept permanently, and the rest is destroyed.

School officials can and do request copies of discipline files, Vegar said, if a new student is transferring in. But both the permanent records and discipline files are off-limits to almost everybody else, with the exception of parents and the students themselves.

Q.: Reportedly, the African American Academy in Magnolia follows an Afro-centric curriculum. How does this differ from the Seattle School District's standard curriculum?

- P.W., Seattle

A.: As a Seattle public school, the African American Academy follows the district's standard curriculum. But teachers place an emphasis on the culture and history of African Americans and Africans, explained Principal Collin Williams.

The school provides teachers with the resources to make sure their lessons include the stories and contributions of African Americans and other ethnic groups that are sometimes left out of the textbooks.

Williams said he hopes other schools are teaching more inclusive curricula, but this sort of instruction is an acknowledged part of the academy's mission. Through various activities and weekly assemblies, teachers and students reinforce such principles as unity, shared work and responsibility, and a faith and pride in the struggles of African Americans.

"We try to build the self-esteem of African-American kids, because society is always telling them that they aren't anything," Williams said. ". . . We also try to make sure these kids understand there are many other ethnic groups who make up this powerful history of the United States."

Education Q&A is a regular Sunday feature in The Seattle Times prepared by Times education reporters. Call in your questions to our Education Hotline at 206 464-3339, or write to Education Q&A c/o The Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111; FAX to Education Q&A at 206 464-2261 or e-mail at schools@ seatimes.com.

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Coming up in education:

Washington State PTA will hold the first Parent Involvement Summit from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Because parents and family play a critical role in the learning process of their children, the PTA is inviting parents to contribute their ideas and experience. Eight topics critical to parental involvement have been identified and will be explored as an interactive conversation among all participants. Information: 206-565-2153.

Additional education calendar listings appear Mondays in The Times inside the Local News section.

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Profiles on InfoLine:

Individual profiles of public and private high schools that were published in the Seattle Times Guide to High Schools last November are available via the fax-on-demand service of the Seattle Times InfoLine.

To use this free service, you need a touch-tone phone and the number of a fax machine to which you want the school profile sent.

Call InfoLine at 206 464-2000 and, when instructed to enter a category number, enter 7130. You will receive instructions on how to access the appropriate school district, then individual schools, and will be told how to have the fax sent to you.