When it comes to any educational institution, there are certain rules for maintaining discipline amongst the students. If and when a child chooses to break these rules, the child will have to face some form of disciplinary action. 

As a parent or guardian, if that happens to your child, you will be brought in to discuss it. However, you need to go into this situation as prepared as possible. 

Know What Happened 

As the parent or guardian of the child, you need to listen to what the school tells you, but you should also take your child’s story into account, as well. 

Start by gathering all of the facts and knowing what happened by aligning both sides of the story. You should also ask your child’s teacher about their behavior before the incident. 

What To Do If You Agree With the Decision Of the School 

After getting the stories together and learning of the disciplinary action suggested, you will either agree or disagree with the decision. If you agree with the school’s decision, you can sit with your child and make them write an apology letter. 

If your child has an IEP, you will also need to see how this disciplinary action will impact their special services. Also, try to proactively stay in contact with the school to always be aware of any future possible behavioral issues. 

What To Do If You Disagree With the Decision Of the School

If you disagree with the school’s decision, you can choose to file a due process complaint. You might want to consult with an education advocate or even a lawyer to make sure that you follow the appropriate steps. 

A great resource to use is the Parent Training and Information Center. This is what you can do depending on the situation.

504 Plan: If your child has a 504 plan, be sure to contact the 504 team to discuss if your child should go through a functional behavioral assessment. 

IEP: If your child has an IEP team and is given a punishment that lasts more than ten days, the team must evaluate whether your child’s disability led to the misconduct. 

Concluding Thoughts

All in all, regardless of the situation, you need to communicate your thoughts as clearly as you can. Any meeting that you attend, be sure to stay focused. 

If another party is involved, be sure to take notes so that you can refer back to them. The last thing you should do is make sure whether or not this disciplinary action will be put on the school record.