Tragic events in recent years underscore the need for school to be a safe and positive learning environment for every student. In the absence of a safe and positive learning environment, a student may feel disconnected, disregard consequences, and engage in bullying or other destructive behaviors. These conditions can foreshadow acts of violence…

Well over three million children, K-12, are estimated to have lost instructional "seat time" in 2009-2010 because they were suspended from school, often with no guarantee of adult supervision outside the school. That's about the number of children it would take to fill every seat in every major league baseball park and every NFL stadium…

This report on suspension practices in the Philadelphia Public School system finds that: (1) Since 1977, on the average, 14.9% of the students have been suspended at least once; (2) Of secondary students, 24.9% have been suspended at least once (since 1977); (3) Overall suspension rates have increased for both minority and non-minority students;…

This pamphlet for parents of children with disabilities discusses regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that relate to discipline procedures, including suspension or removal, manifestation determination, and interim alternative educational settings. Presented in a question-and-answer format, it specifically addresses:…

This bilingual handbook, in English and Spanish on facing pages, is intended to provide general information to Chicago (Illinois) public school parents about school discipline. After two brief introductory chapters that set forth the scope of the issue, the third chapter provides the following general guidelines for discipline programs in…

Discipline is essential to quality education. A blueprint for classroom discipline is presented that is designed to restore discipline in the classroom. The plan calls for the participation and cooperation of parents, teachers, administrators, the school board, and the students. The plan is based on principles such as: (1) school administrators…

Parents of children in public elementary schools in New York City are given basic information about school policies and practices in this English/Spanish guide. Topics covered include: (1) ancillary school services such as transportation, breakfast and lunch programs, and school health services; (2) Board of Education policy on homework, tests,…

This guide to help parents work in collaboration with the school team to enhance the education of their children with emotional or behavioral disorders considers special education and related services, special education evaluation, the Individualized Education Program (IEP), school rules and policies, day treatment, residential placement,…