Attendance & Behavior

WHAT IS SARB?

A Community/School-based program that provides and coordinates community service delivery to students with school attendance and behavior problems.

SARB is a multi-agency collaborative team which includes the following agencies:

• Making a better effort to meet the needs of students with attendance or behavior problems.
• Promoting the use of alternatives to the juvenile court system.

To achieve these goals, the legislation provides for a multi-agency SARB which includes the following agencies: Children and Family Services, Law Enforcement, Parents, Parents and/or other Community Representatives, Community-Based Organizations, Child Welfare and Attendance Personnel, School Guidance Personnel, District Attorney's Office.

SARB process starts with the identification of attendance and/or behavior problems followed by classroom, school site and district level interventions.

SARB is specifically charged with finding solutions to unresolved student attendance and discipline problems by bringing together, on a regular basis, representatives of agencies that make up the board.

SARB further surveys available community resources, determines the appropriateness of their services, and makes recommendations to meet the needs of referred students.

SARB seeks to understand why students are experiencing attendance and behavior problems, and serves as a vehicle to correct those problems.

WHO IS REFERRED TO SARB?

Students with chronic attendance problems and students with chronic behavior problems which have not been resolved through school and community efforts enter the SARB process.  Students with 3 or more unexcused absences or truancies, students with over 10 excused absences without a physician’s note, or a student who has missed 10% or more of a school year based on total number of days in attendance divided by the total number of school days at time of evaluation.  (Example: School started on September 6, the student was absent 8 days as of November 4^th.  School has been in session for 40 days at time of evaluation. The student has an absence rate of 20% and is in violation of the law.)

WHAT DOES SARB DO FOR STUDENTS?

SARB may do the following:

• Recommend changes in the student's program which might be unusual but necessary
• Direct the student and/or family to counseling
• Arrange parenting classes
• Facilitate a student transfer to an alternative school or program when needed
• Request assistance from other county agencies and programs when needed
• Arrange for tutoring when needed
• Recommend the establishment of needed resources
• Help students understand the importance of school, why they must attend school, and that there are consequences for failure to comply with the law
• Refer chronic attendance and/or behavior problems to Truancy Mediation and possibly the District Attorney for further assistance

HOW DO YOU GET HELP FROM SARB?

• Assistance from SARB may be requested when attendance or behavior problems have not been resolved through existing school and community resources.
• Referrals to SARB may be made by contacting the principal, supervisor of attendance, or local SARB chairperson.

The Student Services Department supports schools in addressing student behavior by using a proactive, restorative, and intervention-based approach. We seek to support school in promoting positive behaviors and interactions, facilitate learning from mistakes, encourage educational and personal growth that is age and developmentally appropriate. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and connected to their school and community.

Discipline in IUSD

Visit our Discipline in IUSD information webpage, which includes information about:

• State and Federal Laws
• Key Objectives of Student Discipline in IUSD
• Proactive Supports, Education, and Interventions
• How Parents Can Support School Communities Through Engagement

For additional information about discipline in IUSD, please see the Annual Notification to Parents and see your school's student handbook or code of conduct.

Bullying and Cyber-Bullying Prevention

Our Student Services Bullying and Cyber-Bullying webpage provides information and resources for both students and parents. These include:

• Definitions
• What to Do If You're Being Bullied
• Warning Signs
• Prevention
• Related Board Policies

If your child is exhibiting problematic behaviors or is negatively impacted by the behavior of others, please contact your school.

IUSD Mental Health and Wellness Resources

IUSD provides school-based mental health and wellness services and resources for students and families. These services include:

• IUSD and Community Services, Interventions, and Supports
• School and District Staff Contacts
• Information About Behavior and Social Emotional Learning

Say Something Anonymous Reporting System

IUSD's Say Something Anonymous Reporting System enables students to seek support anonymously for themselves or for their friends. 

PARENTING RESOURCES

Irvine Parent Education Program (IPEP)
IUSD's Irvine Parent Education Program provides a variety of free seminars and educational workshops to support IUSD families. The goal is to help empower parents/guardians with the skills and strategies necessary to become active participants in their students education.

Regional Center of OC
Behavior Management/Social Skills Workshops.  Free 5-part series in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, 5th session addresses toilet training. 
(714) 796-5223

OCHCA, Behavioral Health Services
Provides parenting education to the community. Two differing curricula focuses on strengthening families by educating parents, adolescents, and children in a 12-week course. The program is offered at community sites throughout Orange County, in English and Spanish and provides child care. Parent Project focuses on challenging teenagers. Strengthening Families focuses  on children aged 7-17.
(714) 480-4678

Child Abuse Prevention Center
Free 10-week course for parents whose children are birth - 12 years of age. Free child care at some sites.
(855) 955-5900

PARENTING TRAINING

Child Guidance Center (CGC)
PCIT (Parent-Child) Interaction Therapy). The child and parent are observed behind a one-way mirror. The parent is coached through an earpiece on how to handle challenging behaviors. For ages 2-10, provided in English and Spanish. Funded by Medi-Cal or CGC funding, if the family qualifies.
(714) 953-4455

As we transition to a more digitally based society it is imperative for our students to understand the importance of appropriate digital citizenship. This includes safe and responsible browsing, and appropriate use of devices and social media. As parents, you play an important role in your child's digital citizenship by monitoring their usage as is appropriate by their age.

Visit our PK-12 Digital Citizenship in IUSD resource webpage for more information about digital citizenship and how you can support your students. Common Sense Media is another helpful resources for families and provides a variety of information.