Here’s a bulletin issued by OSPI on the new student discipline rules. You can find read more about it on the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s website at http://www.k12.wa.us/StudentDiscipline/Rules/:
On July 30, 2018, OSPI adopted new student discipline rules that comprehensively revised Chapter 392-400 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Some provisions became effective for the 2018–19 school year, with the remaining provisions becoming effective for the 2019–20 school year. OSPI determined a phased approach would provide ample time for school districts to implement new due process procedures, train school personnel, and engage with students, parents, teachers, and communities in order to develop appropriate local student discipline policies.
New Student Discipline Rules Implementation
Provisions effective for the 2019–20 school year
New school district requirements pertaining to, among other things, due process procedures for suspensions, expulsions, and emergency expulsions will become effective July 1, 2019—including several new conditions and limitations on the use of suspension, expulsion, and emergency expulsion. OSPI’s discipline rules establish uniform minimum due process requirements for student discipline in school districts. However, school districts may adopt policies and procedures setting forth expectations that provide additional procedural protections for students.
Before the start of the 2019–20 school year, school district policies and procedures must include:
Before the start of the 2019–20 school year, school district policies and procedures must remove:
Family and community engagement
RCW 28A.320.211(3) requires school districts to consult with staff, students, families, and the community when reviewing and updating local discipline policies and procedures. OSPI strongly encourages districts to consult with staff, students, families, and communities as early as possible to incorporate meaningful feedback into the development of local policies and procedures.
WSSDA model policy
RCW 28A.345.090 requires that school district discipline policies must beconsistent with the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) model discipline policy. This statutory provision does not require school districts to replicate WSSDA model policy. School districts may adopt local discipline policies and procedures that are consistent with federal law, state statutes, and OSPI rules—as required under RCW 28A.600.010—before WSSDA officially revises and publishes their model policy, in a manner that is consistent with the forthcoming model policy.
OSPI discipline resources
OSPI has several resources on the Student Discipline webpage related to the new discipline rules, including:
All of these resources are intended to support districts in updating local discipline policies and procedures in consultation with staff, students, parents, families, and the community—in accordance with RCW 28A.320.211(3)—before the 2019–20 school year.
For questions about the new student discipline rules and implementation contact:
Joshua Lynch, Program Supervisor, Student Discipline, Behavior, and Readiness to Learn
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