Student Discipline Rulemaking Update—June 26, 2017

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 06/26/2017 03:48 PM PDT

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Student Discipline Rulemaking Update

Discipline Rules

Following the passage of a new discipline law in 2016 (4SHB 1541), OSPI completed expedited rulemaking to align the student discipline rules in Chapter 392-400 WAC with the new provisions of the law. These rules went into effect September 1, 2016.

At the same time, OSPI recognized the need for additional rulemaking to clarify requirements under HB 1541, implement internal and external feedback regarding student discipline, and improve the readability of the entire chapter. On November 1, 2016 the agency filed a CR 101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry to initiate regular rulemaking on Chapter 392-400 WAC.

In order to complete a thorough revision of the rules and allow ample time for substantial feedback from interested parties, OSPI has extended the rulemaking process into the summer, with final rules to be effective for the 2018–19 school year.

Discipline Policies and Procedures

Shortly after the new discipline law, 4SHB 1541, went into effect in 2016, the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) issued an interim update to its Classroom Management, Discipline, and Corrective Action Policy and Procedure (3241/3241P). OSPI is in regular communication with WSSDA regarding future updates to the model school district discipline policies and procedures.

Even though rulemaking is currently ongoing, school districts are required to adopt and disseminate policies and procedures that are consistent with state laws and rules, and should take steps to make sure that student handbooks are consistent with the new laws and rules. Additionally, HB 1541 requires districts to periodically review and update discipline policies and procedures in consultation with staff, students, families, and the community.

Questions? Contact us!

For more information and resources about student discipline, please visit OSPI’s Student Discipline webpage.

For questions about student discipline or HB 1541 (Part I):

Joshua Lynch, Program Supervisor, Student Discipline, Behavior, and Readiness to Learn

Joshua.Lynch@k12.wa.us | 360-725-4969

For questions about discipline rulemaking:

Dierk Meierbachtol, Chief Legal Officer

Dierk.Meierbachtol@k12.wa.us | 360-725-6004

OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to:
Equity and Civil Rights Director
P.O. Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
360-725-6162
TTY:360-664-3631

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