Law & Policy: School Discipline & Alternative Education
Legal Manual
Federal Laws
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004, reauthorizing and amending the IDEA, H. R. 1350, Section 615(k) (student discipline provisions for special education students)
- Current Federal Regulations implementing the IDEA (note: click on "Regulations" link in lower box at left side of webpage), 34 C.F.R. §§ 300.530, 300.532, 300.533, 300.534. 300.536 (student discipline provisions for special education students).
State Laws
Pennsylvania Laws
Pennsylvania Regulations
- Chapter 12 (student rights and responsibilities), 22 Pa. Code §§ 12.1-12.15.
- Chapter 14 (state regulations implementing the IDEA) (See especially § 14.133 (behavior support) and § 14.143 (disciplinary placements)
Guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education
- Basic Education Circular (BEC) Safe Schools and Possession of Weapons (providing guidance on Act 26)
- Basic Education Circular (BEC) Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth
- Basic Education Circular (BEC) Disciplinary Exclusions of Students who are Eligible for Special Education
School District Codes of Conduct
Each school district is required to have a code of student conduct listing school discipline policies. Below please find several examples of codes of conduct. School libraries are required to have a copy of the school district's code of student conduct.
- Charter Schools
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- Funding Schools Fairly
- Getting Information & Making Your Voice Heard
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- School Discipline & Alternative Education
- Students in Foster Homes, Juvenile Justice & Other Placements
- Students with Disabilities
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