506 Policy: Student Discipline
506 Policy: Student Discipline
Revised and Approved: September 4, 2024
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of student discipline is to: prevent or minimize harm to the student and others; minimize disruption to the learning and working environments; and ensure that students are held accountable for their actions to the extent their behavior was knowing and intentional, unsafe or dangerous and/or in violation of the Student Conduct Procedure, Board policy, or the law.
The purpose of this policy is to articulate the school board’s commitment to professional development for employees designed to result in: the use of discipline only when other corrective actions are not effective and/or practicable; equity in student discipline; and the use of non-exclusionary discipline whenever possible.
Effective responses to student misconduct consider the age and cognitive development of the student and include: framing instruction and coaching to the needs of the particular student; building or strengthening relationships; repair of harm; restorative practices designed to restore relationships, and re-engage students in the learning community. Effective discipline is educational, not punitive.
II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
The school board recognizes that individual responsibility and mutual respect are essential components of the educational process. The school board further recognizes that nurturing the maturity of each student is of primary importance and is closely linked with the balance that must be maintained between authority and self-discipline as the individual progresses from a child’s dependence on authority to the more mature behavior of self-control.
All students are entitled to learn and develop in a setting which promotes respect of self, others, and property. Proper positive discipline can only result from an environment which provides options and stresses student self-direction, decision-making, and responsibility. Schools can function effectively only with internal discipline based on mutual understanding of rights and responsibilities.
Students must conduct themselves in an appropriate manner that maintains a climate in which learning can take place. Overall decorum affects student attitudes and influences student behavior. Proper student conduct is necessary to facilitate the education process and to create an atmosphere conducive to high student achievement.
Although this policy emphasizes the development of self-discipline, it is recognized that there are instances when it will be necessary to administer disciplinary measures. The position of the school district is that a fair and equitable district-wide student discipline policy will contribute to the quality of the student’s educational experience. This discipline policy is adopted in accordance with and subject to the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minnesota Statutes, sections 121A.40-121A.56.
In view of the foregoing and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.55, the school board, with the participation of school district administrators, teachers, employees, students, parents, community members, and such other individuals and organizations as appropriate, has developed this policy which governs student conduct and applies to all students of the school district.
III. PROCESS
The superintendent is directed to develop administrative procedures for TITLE Administrative Procedure and Processes for the School District that meet the state and federal requirements established in law or rule.
Legal References:
Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act)
Minn. Stat. § 120B.02 (Educational Expectations and Graduation Requirements for Minnesota Students)
Minn. Stat. § 120B.232 (Character Development Education)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.26 (School Pre Assessment Teams)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.29 (Reporting; Chemical Abuse)
Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.40-121A.56 (Pupil Fair Dismissal Act)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.575 (Alternatives to Pupil Suspension)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.58 (Corporal Punishment; Prone Restraint; And Certain Physical Holds)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.582 (Student Discipline; Reasonable Force)
Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.60 (Definitions)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.61 (Discipline and Removal of Students from Class)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.611 (Recess and Other Breaks)
Minn. Stat. § 122A.42 (General Control of Schools)
Minn. Stat. § 123A.05 (State-Approved Alternative Program Organization)
Minn. Stat. § 124D.03 (Enrollment Options Program)
Minn. Stat. § 124D.08 (School Boards’ Approval to Enroll in Nonresident District; Exceptions)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 125A (Special Education and Special Programs)
Minn. Stat. § 152.22, Subd. 6 (Definitions)
Minn. Stat. § 152.23 (Limitations)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 260A (Truancy)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 260C (Juvenile Safety and Placement)
20 U.S.C. §§ 1400-1487 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq. (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, § 504)
34 C.F.R. § 300.530(e)(1) (Manifestation Determination)
Cross References: RAS Equity Policy 102.1
RAS Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence)
RAS Policy 419 (Tobacco-Free Environment; Possession and Use of Tobacco, Tobacco-Related Devices, and Electronic Delivery Devices; Vaping Awareness and Prevention Instruction)
RAS Policy 501 (School Weapons)
RAS Policy 502 (Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions, and Student’s Person)
RAS Policy 503 (Student Attendance)
RAS Policy 505 (Distribution of Non School-Sponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees)
RAS Policy 507.5 (School Resource Officers)
RAS Policy 514 (Bullying Prohibition Policy)
RAS Policy 524 (Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy)
RAS Policy 525 (Violence Prevention)
RAS Policy 526 (Hazing Prohibition)
RAS Policy 527 (Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicles; Patrols, Inspections, and Searches)
RAS Policy 610 (Field Trips)
RAS Policy 709 (Student Transportation Safety Policy)
RAS Policy 711 (Video Recording on School Buses)
RAS Policy 712 (Video Surveillance Other Than on Buses)