Suicidal behaviors are relatively common among children, yet literature concerning the associated risks remains limited. Using a cumulative risk model, this study examined the effects of disability status, suspensions/expulsions, school disconnectedness, and negative peer relationships on suicidal behaviors. Data used were from The Future of…

The purpose of the current study was to determine the probability that a student with a disability not being served by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) would be expelled. Expulsion data were obtained from the Civil Rights Data Collection produced by the U.S. Office of Civil Rights. The latest data from all 50 states and the…

The Latinx population is the largest group of racially and ethnically diverse students in the United States. Although disproportionality in school discipline has been documented for Latinx students, findings related to such disparities have been inconsistent. We examined disciplinary exclusion practices involving students with and without…

Disciplinary exclusions, particularly out-of-school suspension and expulsions, are a pressing concern for schools, as research demonstrates that they are associated with myriad deleterious outcomes such as increased risk for poor academic achievement, school dropout, and contact with juvenile justice. Research suggests that School-Wide Positive…

Questionnaires were sent to 50 state agencies to investigate the legal status of suspension and expulsion procedures for emotionally handicapped or behaviorally disordered students. Among findings were that of the 26 responding states, nine states reported procedures specifically designed for disciplinary action for emotionally handicapped…

Discusses issues related to implementing the new discipline provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. Litigation that led to the new provisions is described, along with issues relating to conducting functional assessments, making a manifestation determination, generating interim placements, and cessation of…

The controversial discipline provisions of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are examined. It is suggested the provisions may serve to encourage systemic reform capable of dramatically affecting the educational and postsecondary careers of students with emotional or behavioral disorders and may assist in curbing…

This article analyzes four federal court cases dealing with the use of reductive interventions to manage the behaviors of behaviorally disordered students in public schools. Definitions and principles of corporal punishment, suspension, expulsion, and timeout are outlined; and the legal status of these punishment procedures is explained.…

A review of 20 independent samples found a wide range of school and student variables influence the use of administrative discipline contacts, whereas administrator/teacher and family variables have less influence. Relevant variables include participation in athletics, child neglect, antisocial behavior, and anecdotal suspension report. (Contains…

The article addresses the exclusion of social maladjustment from the federal definition of serious emotional disturbance and proposes a limited interpretation which would prevent the inappropriate exclusion of students with antisocial behavior from special education services. Briefly discussed are related issues of identification and programing.…

Existing policies of local education agencies in Virginia concerning suspension and expulsion of handicapped students were evaluated in light of 6 recommended components. Responses of 78 special education directors to a questionnaire were synthesized with the policy information to develop a model procedure reflecting current trends in disciplining…

A review of the literature on special education and school discipline in light of the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act finds little evidence to support student suspension and expulsion. Support is offered for a unified system of discipline that preserves both a free and appropriate public education and a safe…