A study to determine the status of disciplinary procedures in nonpublic high schools in Nebraska and Kansas is described in this report. A two-part questionnaire to assess schools' written policies and actual practices was administered to 68 out of 72 private schools, a 94 percent response rate. Findings indicate that the majority of nonpublic…

Suspension is often an inappropriate remedy for discipline problems since the students being suspended are inevitably those who most need to be retained in school. Other discipline methods that reinforce positive behavior warrant the consideration of school and civil authorities. Restitution, which allows juveniles to compensate for damages they…

The policies and actions of the Norfolk City Public Schools are having a devastating effect on black students. The system's suspension and suggested expulsion notice data and employment record are objective indicators that the system was not designed to educate black children. Black students are suspended nearly twice as often as white children…

On January 22, 1974, the South Dakota State Board of Education, after a year's study and deliberation, adopted a resolution defining the nimimal standards for procedural due process guaranteed a public school student when he is suspended or expelled from school. Under the resolution the due process procedure adopted by each school district must…

The National Urban League has prepared this handbook as a guide for parents who want to improve systems and change schools. It is written with the hope that parents will use it as a tool to improve the quality of their children's education, striking out at the root causes that make our schools instruments of ignorance. Since laws vary from state…

This article identifies three areas of guidance activity that have been subjected to court censure because they involved violations of the civil rights of students. The areas are (a) testing and placement, (b) suspension and expulsion, and (c) student rights of self-expression. The situational examples and related case law are presented for each…

This paper cites relevant court decisions and provides guidelines for expelling and suspending handicapped students for disciplinary reasons. The advantages of in-school suspensions are described, with discussions of policy, curriculum, and management considerations. Tables cover behaviors of handicapped students, a schedule for awarding…

This document is intended to provide guidance to schools in the discipline of students with disabilities in compliance with regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Chapters address the following topics (sample sub-topics in parentheses): (1) basics of discipline under Section 504 (common mistakes districts make when…

State legislatures and school boards are adopting a growing number of zero-tolerance polices toward weapons, guns, and violence. Zero-tolerance polices are rules intended to address specific school-safety issues. They have arisen in part as a response to the threat of the withdrawal of federal funds under the 1994 Gun-Free Schools Act, and…

This study tracked the careers, over 2 years, of 193 young English people (particularly at-risk groups) after their permanent exclusion from mainstream schools during 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. The study investigated the impact of pre- and post-exclusion processes, provisions, and outcomes on these young people's life-chances and wider indicators…

In school systems with a zero-tolerance policy, principals must recommend that students who carry weapons on campus be expelled. Some critics say zero-tolerance policies do not allow enough room for exceptions. Describes the Gun-Free Schools Act. (MLF)

Provides a brief review of legal procedures that schools have available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997, and discusses problems with using suspension and expulsion, including recidivism, increased dropout rates, overrepresentation of minorities receiving suspension or expulsion, and indiscriminate…

Discusses the implementation of a charter middle school serving at-risk students in Louisiana and intended to provide an alternative to expulsion. Reviews the school's objectives, school governance and charter law compliance, educational program, accountability, and preliminary progress. Considers the level of attainment for each of 13 goals for…

Increased student expulsions have resulted from safe schools policies. The York Region (Ontario) school district established a program for expelled students to continue their education that includes academic learning, social and psychological counseling, life-skills development, work-related programs, and anger management. Students cited small…

Suspension and expulsion should be a school's court of last resort. Before moving straight to suspension, school officials should provide discipline options such as counseling and alternative schools. Describes a rural New York school district where suspension and expulsion are rare. The goal is to keep every student in school so they can learn.…