{"id":354987,"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\/school-discipline.html"},"modified":"2023-11-02T08:05:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T13:05:15","slug":"school-discipline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/student-conduct-and-discipline\/school-discipline.html","title":{"rendered":"School Discipline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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School Discipline<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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Every public school commits to creating a learning environment where students can thrive. To ensure this, the school district often establishes a student code of conduct. This code details student behavior expectations. It also explains disciplinary procedures and the rights of students. It aligns with state law and federal law (under the U.S.C.). This helps ensure schools maintain a safe and educational learning environment for all.<\/p>\r\n

Gone are the days when school officials could raise a paddle to poorly behaving students. Today, in all but a few states, the practice of corporal punishment is not allowed by law. Schools now must determine different ways to account for student misbehavior. This is especially true in light of a growing number of student on-campus crimes.<\/p>\r\n

This section provides a background on school discipline and punishment. Click the links below to learn more.<\/p>\r\n

Discipline and Punishment: Emerging Theories<\/h2>\r\n

Education programs today are exploring new approaches to student discipline. Discipline isn’t only about punishment. Its main goals include behavior correction and reducing disruptions. Ultimately, it is about ensuring a safe school environment for all. Discipline is part of a broader intervention plan. This plan often includes counseling or other educational services.<\/p>\r\n

Instead of only punishing students for poor behavior, schools now try to focus on the root cause. Mental health and special education professionals often work with school administrators. Together, they develop alternative education programs. These programs aim to correct student behavior while also supporting the students’ well-being.<\/p>\r\n

Techniques include school-wide policies that reward adherence to key rules. Other methods include one-on-one behavioral interventions and incremental disciplinary steps. The National Association of School Psychologists champions turning disciplinary measures into "teachable moments." They hope not only to sanction but to nurture and guide students toward better choices in the future.<\/p>\r\n

Meanwhile, zero-tolerance policies still enforce strict punishment for grave offenses. These offenses include possession of a weapon or drugs. This underscores the no-excuse stance on certain serious behaviors.<\/p>\r\n

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

Every school district has its own student code of conduct. This code sets rules and guidelines that students must follow. These rules apply on school property and during school activities. School districts often update them with amendments approved by the Board of Education. If someone alleges a student has violated the code, the law entitles them to due process rights. This ensures that the student receives fair treatment. It also ensures that disciplinary action aligns with board policy and state law.<\/p>\r\n

Within the code of conduct, certain actions that may warrant discipline include:<\/p>\r\n