Student Discipline

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

Old Capitol Building

PO Box 47200

Olympia, WA 98504-7200

OSPI Website

Implementing Student Discipline Policies & Procedures: Research-Based Principles for School Districts

In response to significant changes to OSPI discipline rules under Chapter 392-400 WAC, school districts are in the process of revising discipline policies and procedures at the local level. The following principles highlight the major policy areas educators need to be aware of to meet state requirements, and the research supporting why implementation is critical for improving equity and fairness in the administration of school discipline.

Engage Families, Students, and Staff in Discipline Decisions

• Research highlights the benefits of inclusive decision-making processes and family engagement
• OSPI rules provide multiple opportunities for meaningful parent and family communication
• School districts must consult with staff, students, and families about discipline policies

Eliminate Zero-Tolerance Discipline Policies and Practices

• Research finds punitive practices produce negative and racially disproportionate outcomes
• OSPI rules prohibit school districts from administering mandatory exclusionary discipline
• School districts may no longer immediately suspend a student for “exceptional misconduct”

Adopt Positive and Instructional Approaches to Behavior

• Research demonstrates restorative discipline approaches can mitigate disparities
• OSPI rules require district policies to identify best practices to support student behavior
• Educators must attempt or consider best practices before exclusionary discipline

Disrupt Inequitable Discipline Decision-Making Processes

• Research promotes strategies for neutralizing implicit bias in discipline decision-making
• OSPI rules establish procedures intended to slow down discipline decision-making processes
• Educators must consider individual circumstances, context of behavior, and school safety

Focus on the Classroom Context and Data-Informed Decision-Making

• Research shows disproportionality in discipline starts at the classroom level
• OSPI rules provide procedures for classroom exclusion and using disaggregated discipline data
• School administrators and teachers must collaboratively review building discipline standards

Resources and Contact Information

The following resources are available on OSPI’s Student Discipline website:

• Student Discipline Rules Q&A: A Technical Guide
• Behavior Menu of Best Practices and Strategies
• Discipline training content on Classroom Procedures and Administrative Procedures

For technical assistance and training contact:

Joshua Lynch, Student Discipline and Behavior Program Supervisor

joshua.lynch@k12.wa.us | 360-725-4969