MA General Laws Regarding School Discipline

The Big Three (the weapons and drugs are combined in section a - FYI) ....

"Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, all student handbooks shall contain the following provisions:

(a) Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun or a knife; or a controlled substance as defined in chapter ninety-four C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.

(b) Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher's aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal."

Alternatives to Suspension (thanks to PBISworld.com for their references)

Alternatives To Suspension

Why should I do it:

• Suspending kids is very unproductive for academics
• Some kids get suspended on purpose to get out of work or away from something they do not want to cope or deal with
• Suspensions are not an effective deterrent for many kids, who do not see it as a significant consequence or negative stimulus
• Providing alternatives to suspensions can be much more effective in getting students’ behavior to change
• There are many alternatives that motivate students better than suspending them

When should I do it:

• When a student gets into trouble and suspended frequently
• When a student is trying to get suspended on purpose or to get out of something
• When students really need the instruction but a consequence or discipline is warranted
• When suspensions do not seem to be doing anything and are ineffective

How do I do it:

• There are various alternatives to suspension and ways to carry them out.
• Always use a neutral tone and do not allow yourself to be drawn into power struggles.
• Alternatives may be discussed with a student or students before implementing them
• Some common alternatives include:
  • in-school suspension
  • school service (for example, assisting custodial staff with after school clean-up, lunch clean-up, etc)
  • mini course
  • counseling
  • community service
  • restitution
  • problem solving or behavior contract
  • alternative programming
  • loss of privileges (like lunch, recess, social time, etc)
  • detention (before or after school)
  • mentoring (with a teacher, counselor, or other staff member before or after school)
  • behavioral contracts
  • referral to community mental health services

Please tell us how you found us by completing this survey
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram @astalpodcast