Discipline Laws

A student in grades K-4 cannot be suspended from school.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

WAC 392-400-430 & WAC 392-400-435

A student in grades K-4 can have a maximum of 10 cumulative days during any academic term.

A student in grades 5-12 can be suspended for a maximum of 15 cumulative school days any semester; or 10 cumulative days in a trimester.

• True

• False

Prior to a suspension the following actions must occur:

• Teaching of the skill that is lagging

• Restorative Circle with those injured

• Conversation with the administrator

• One or more other forms of discipline to support the student

Answer explanation

WAC 392-400-435 (1)

Before administering a short-term or in-school suspension, a school district must first attempt one or more other forms of discipline t support the student in meeting behavioral expectations.

Sending a student home early due to behavior is considered a suspension, even if the parent is choosing to pick them up and/or it is only for a few hours.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

WAC 392-400-025(14) & 392-400-450

^Sending a student home early or requesting a student stay at home in response to behavioral violations is a suspension.

^Before an administrator can send a student home for a behavioral violation, they must hold an informal initial hearing with the student.

The following are additional protections that students with special services needs have:

(check all that apply)

• Suspension cannot be over 10 days

• If suspension is over 10 cumulative days in a year, a manifestation meeting must be held.

• A manifestation meeting "restarts" the 10 cumulative days for a student.

• Learning Services must continue during a suspension.

• You cannot suspend a special education student if it is the result of their disability.

Which of the following are considered options of "Other forms of discipline" to be used?

• Increased supervision

• Collaborative problem-solving

• Restorative conversations and actions

• Use of a sensory room to calm down

• Behavioral agreement

Which of the following are considered to be interpreting behaviors with implicit bias?

• "He knows what he is doing, he is manipulating us."

• "We have a low-socioeconomic school, so behaviors are expected."

• She has sensitivity to loud noises and shows that there is an issue with eloping.

• Boys will be boys.

The following are exclusionary practices that should be limited: "Exclusion" - Removing students from regular educational settings or social environments for a period of time in response to unwanted behavior. (Check all that apply)

• Office discipline referral

• Reflection room

• Cross-class or hallway time out

• Detention

• Brief Timeout in the classroom

In which of the following incidents might restraint be warranted?

• Student is throwing objects around the room.

• Student jumps on top of a table and is kicking at other students.

• Student is running away from staff, down the hallway.

• Student is cursing and swearing at others in a vile manner.

• None of the above.

Answer explanation

Restraint and Isolation are PROHIBITED practices in WA state, EXCEPT* when the student's behaviors poses and IMMINENT LIKELIHOOD of serious harm to that student or another person. *There are no exceptions for students with IEPs or ERPs.

Which of the following are considered to be restraint practices?

• Holding the hand of a student as you walk down the hallway.

• Lifting the student down from a higher setting and immediately releasing the student.

• Prompting the student with a touch on the shoulder to focus their attention one way.

• Physically blocking a student from an object.

• None of the above.

Answer explanation

Restraint as defined in RCW 28A.600.485 means: Physical intervention or force used to control a student, including the use of a restraint device to restrict a student's freedom of movement. It does not include appropriate se of a prescribed medical, orthopedic, or therapeutic device when used as intended, such as to achieve proper body position, balance, or alignment, or to permit a student to participate in activities safely.