Discipline: Legal Implications

While it’s safe to say that discipline is no educator’s favorite part of what they do, it is an essential part of working with students. But when disciplining a student with a disability, there are special considerations that must be taken into account. This course will provide school staff members with information about the legal protections provided to students with disabilities by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and will explore the legal implications related to disciplining these students. We’ll examine the impact of zero-tolerance policies, discipline procedures required under IDEA, the effectiveness of positive behavioral supports, and the disciplining of students with Section 504 plans.