{"id":354982,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/student-conduct-and-discipline\/discipline-and-punishment.html"},"modified":"2023-11-02T08:00:53","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T13:00:53","slug":"discipline-and-punishment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/student-conduct-and-discipline\/discipline-and-punishment.html","title":{"rendered":"Discipline and Punishment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Discipline and Punishment<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In public school, it’s essential for every student to follow a certain set of rules. These rules are the "student code of conduct." This code ensures a positive learning environment for everyone. Students should understand and follow this code. It helps create a respectful and safe school community.<\/p>\r\n

Sometimes, a student’s behavior disrupts the learning environment. They may violate the student code of conduct. When this happens, school officials might take disciplinary action. This might be the principal or another staff member. These actions vary depending on the student’s misconduct.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides a brief overview of discipline and punishment in American schools.<\/p>\r\n

Student Codes of Conduct<\/h2>\r\n

Every public school has a student code of conduct<\/a>. The school district and the Department of Education<\/a> guide these school codes. Students receive this code upon enrollment at the beginning of the school year. The school board and school administrators craft the rules in this code. They help ensure a safe and positive learning environment. Student codes of conduct serve as crucial guidelines for behavior within schools. They outline expectations and boundaries set by educational institutions.<\/p>\r\n

These codes encompass a range of topics. This can range from school attendance to participation in extracurricular activities. It can also include appropriate behavior during school-sponsored events and school functions. Discipline policies also address student truancy<\/a>. They can also include misconduct on the school bus.<\/p>\r\n

Special education students<\/a> receive particular attention in these codes, protecting their rights under federal law. In cases of infractions<\/a>, a designee (often a school official) might make a referral. This referral may be for further investigation or counseling.<\/p>\r\n

These codes help ensure that all students have a safe environment for learning, regardless of their particular needs. By abiding by these rules, the school community promotes school safety. They can also promote a more productive school environment.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Misbehavior<\/h2>\r\n

Misbehavior in a school environment can range from minor disruptions to serious offenses. The student code of conduct will usually outline types of misbehavior. Some common types of misbehavior include:<\/p>\r\n