LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM

GUIDELINES FOR ADMINISTERING DISCIPLINE USING THE DISCIPLINE MATRIX

The Lafayette Parish School Board recognizes the necessity for reasonable control and discipline over the conduct of pupils under its jurisdiction. Every teacher in the public school system shall endeavor to hold each pupil to a strict accountability for any disorderly conduct in school*, or on the playgrounds of the school, on the street or while going to or returning from school, or during intermission or recess (*school includes school- sponsored activities). To assist the teacher, the Board shall establish regulations for the use of disciplinary measures within the schools and continually monitor and appraise their usefulness. Louisiana Revised Statute 17:416 provides the foundation for addressing the discipline of students within the school setting and at school sponsored events or activities.

Positive Behavioral Supports In compliance with the Juvenile Justice Education Partnership Act of 2003 and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Model Master Plan for Discipline all Lafayette Parish Schools shall establish a school- wide system of discipline which utilizes positive behavioral supports. Schools shall establish, post, and provide direct instruction on school-wide behavioral expectations to each student at the beginning of each school year and reinforce expectations throughout the school year. School personnel shall provide yearly training to all school staff on positive behavioral supports and the school-wide discipline plan. Each school shall establish a school leadership team which meets regularly to review behavioral and related data and guide the positive behavior process.

Authority of School Principals Principals shall have both the authority and the duty to take disciplinary action whenever the behavior of any pupil(s) materially interferes with or substantially disrupts the maintenance of a proper atmosphere for learning within the classroom or other parts of the school. Depending on the severity of the offense committed by the student, the principal retains the right and the responsibility to use any appropriate form of discipline available including suspension, recommending expulsion, and/or law enforcement. However, no pupil shall be disciplined in any manner by the School Board or school principal, teacher, or other school employee for the use of force upon another person when it can be reasonably concluded that the use of such force more probably than not was committed solely for the purpose of preventing a forcible offense against the pupil or a forcible offense provided that the force used must be reasonable and apparently necessary to prevent such offense. A pupil who is the aggressor or who brings on a difficulty cannot claim the right stated above to defend himself.

Administrative Interventions and Definitions The following are disciplinary interventions assigned by administrators:  School wide Expectations Taught It is a mandatory component of Positive Behavior Support that schools teach school wide expectations to all students in the beginning of each school year. LPSS requires that all schools pre teach these expectations, and should do so before writing a student up on a state report. At a minimum, the following items are mandatory: o Signed receipt of LPSS Student Parent Handbook and Code of Conduct (on file with office/teacher) o Visible, pre-taught school wide expectations with lesson plans and a teaching schedule  Parent Contact Phone call, note in agenda or communication folder, home visit or mailed notification. Parent contact must occur anytime a State Report is completed. The administrator handling discipline should make this contact. A PACE call may be used for the parent contact except for when assigning: Threat Assessment, In School Suspension, Alternative to Suspension, Out of School Suspension, Saturday Intervention, Before or After School Detention or Recommended Expulsion.  Confiscation Items other than Cell Phones and Electronics: Item is removed from student’s possession and kept until parent retrieves or other date as decided upon by administrator. This does not apply to those items specifically listed in LSA-R.S. 17:416 (drugs, weapons). For cell phones and electronics, the first violation will result in a 5 (five) SCHOOL day confiscation, with the administration returning the phone or electronics to the parent or guardian’s custody. The 2nd and subsequent times will result in a remainder of the school year confiscation at which time the item will be returned to the custody of the parent or guardian.  Threat Assessment This screening is initiated by the administrator assigning discipline to a student who has made a threat or when concerns arise, which in the administrator’s judgment, may signal significant violence on the part of the student. The purpose is to determine the validity of a threat, and to tailor interventions and/or consequences accordingly. If it determined that there must be further assessment, the administrator will refer the threat assessment to the STARS team. If it is determined that there is no threat, the completed assessment should be filed in the student’s confidential file.  Restitution/ Apology/ Think Sheet This intervention is focused on the child making up for the wrong he has committed. He must either physically make up for the wrong, as in restitution by paying for vandalism, or apologize to one upon whom a wrong has been perpetrated. Further, a Think Sheet may be assigned in order to guide a student into seeing the consequences of his choice and the possibility of other choices in the future.  Referral to School Counselor or Mental Health Professional The administrator will first refer a student to the school counselor for assistance in investigating possible causes for the infraction, as well as ways to counsel the child towards making appropriate choices. The administrator may also refer a student to a mental health professional for certain infraction types, and or repetition of certain infractions. A STARS referral or other referral specific to the school site may also be utilized.  Behavior Assessment Plan The committee for drafting a behavior assessment plan may include the following: teacher (if student is in elementary school, self-contained or behavior offenses occur mainly in 1 class), administrator, counselor, social worker, PBS representative, parent, student, mentor or caring adult invited with parent permission. In addition, the school may designate that the SBLC draft the plan if the student’s behavior problems are on campus, and not limited to 1 or 2 classrooms. One step of the plan may refer child to the STARS mental health professional or counselor after the behavior plan is drafted. Other steps may include the use of a progress report, with parental input, where available.  Substance Abuse Referral will be made to these programs if student violates the drug, tobacco or alcohol policy.  School Specific Interventions The administrator dispensing discipline will choose a consequence available at the school, such as: o Peer mediation o Behavior Interventionist o Time Out Room o Buddy Teacher Time Out o Lunch Detention o Work Detail o Home School Coordinator Meeting o Proactive Behavior or Social Skills group (i.e. Anger management, social skills, leadership program, SRO-Run groups) o Repair uniform violation o Parent Shadowing o Probation Card A student may be placed on a probation card as a school specific intervention. Parental contact must be made on the day the card is issued. Teachers should also sign the probation card each day. During the period of probation, the student must give the card to the teacher at the beginning of the class period, or risk receiving a ‘U” (Unsatisfactory) in the block. The student must exhibit appropriate behavior in all classes during all school activities and complete all class assignments for the specified time period. Failure to do so will result in a “U” during the class or activity. At the end of the specified time period, the student must return the completed probation card to the administrator who issued the card. Accommodations could be made for terminating probation early for appropriate behavior. Additionally, guidelines for failing the probationary period and the consequence system should be established when issuing the card. Each school will submit their list to the LPSS Discipline Committee prior the beginning of each school year.  SBLC/ Family Support/ CAT referral (optional at any time) An Administrator can refer a student to the appropriate committee for support, interventions and/or assessment. These referrals are optional for any infraction and may be made at any time deemed appropriate by an administrator. In addition, these referrals are strongly recommended for repeated violations. CAT referrals should continue to follow the guidelines that have been established.  Zero on Assignment This consequence applies only when a student cheats on a test or steals a test. State testing security policy will apply for state-mandated tests.  Loss of Privileges A student may lose privileges, as determined by administrator dispensing discipline, for certain infractions. These privileges may include loss of minor privileges such as recess, attending in-school functions with class (pep rallies), or other privileges which are unrelated to the student’s educational program. In addition, a student can lose driving privileges. A student can also lose privileges related to after school activities, such as attendance at sporting events, games, involvement in extracurricular activities.  Before or After School Detention (formerly called Behavior Clinic) Morning or afternoon detention for 45 minutes to 1 hour in duration: Maximum of 4 High; 4 Middle; 6 Elementary Detention will be held on the campus of the school issuing the discipline, and will not remove the child from his regular schedule of classes. During Detention, students will reflect on choices they made that got them into Detention, and which choices they will make in the future. Schools will utilize materials of instruction during Detention to ensure that these assignments assist the students in reflecting upon their inappropriate behavior, and will teach appropriate replacement behaviors.  In-School Suspension (ISS) (formerly called Discipline Center) Maximum of 4 Middle/ 4 High School/ 6 Elementary This intervention is the removal of a student from his regular instruction for a half day or whole day. However, ISS does not count as a suspension from school which accrues towards recommended expulsion. The student will be with a certified teacher who will present and coordinate meaningful activities which teach students appropriate replacement behaviors. For example: Second Step, Boys Town Social Skills, learning packets from Advantage Press and making responsible choices. Students who are assigned ISS will complete missed class work/tests for full credit.  Saturday Intervention (SI) (Not counted as a suspension) (Maximum of 2 Middle School/ 2 High School/ 2 Elementary School) This intervention consists of an assignment of Saturday attendance at a specified satellite site. This intervention takes preference over any extra or co-curricular activity that the student may be involved in on the date assigned. Thus, a student is not allowed to engage in any extra or co-curricular activity in lieu of attending Saturday Intervention. SI is available for students in elementary, middle, and high school in 3 separate programs. This intervention includes proactive skill sets such as social skills and anger management. The program will be a combination of Boys Town role playing of social skills, video training, taking responsibility and making a commitment to change the behavior that got the student there. Parental attendance is required. For grades kindergarten-second the student does not attend-parents only. Those students who miss Saturday Intervention will be assigned a 1 day out of school suspension. Middle and High school program will be a half day. Elementary programs will be two hours. Lunch will not be provided at any site.  Alternative to Suspension (Elementary (grades 3-5), Middle, High School Only) (Maximum of 1) This is an off-campus site that students will be assigned to in lieu of an out of school suspension. This does not count as a suspension from school, and the student will be allowed to complete academic work upon return. The parent must accompany the child to the base school for a conference upon their return from a suspension of this nature. Failure to bring a child to ATS will result in the next intervention being applied by school administrator. Students will be assigned ATS in the following manner: Students may be assigned to the Alternative Site for Fighting on one occasion, for a period of 1-3 days. A student may be sent for 3 days for fights that meet one of the following elements: o A school employee is intentionally injured as a result of attempting to disengage two or more students from physical confrontation; o Any student involved in the fight requires medical attention; o The fight is determined to be pre-meditated; o The fight is defined as a gang fight (three or more students engaged); o Any instrument utilized as a weapon is used. Materials used at ATS will include the regular curriculum at the grade level from the home-based school. Additional materials may include: LEAP preparation materials, GED preparation materials, and other academic materials. In addition, bullying prevention, Boys Town Social Skills Training, anger management and problem solving curriculums will be employed.  Out of School Suspension (Maximum of 10 days) The student is suspended home for a period of time. The student is marked absent. The student may complete assignments and shall receive either partial or full credit for such work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the principal or his designee, upon the recommendation of the pupil's teacher on all assignments/tests. No student will be readmitted to school without a parent conference. An Out of School suspension may be shortened, at the principals’ discretion, if the suspended student calls the principal, expresses remorse, and asks to return to school, following a parent conference. A parent conference is mandatory for a student to return to school following suspendable offenses, both at the Alternative Site and Out of School. Parent or legal guardian of child must physically return the child to school. A Behavior Assessment and Plan should be conducted at this time. Parent’s refusal to timely return the child to school will subject the parent to truancy proceedings. This will invoke a letter from the DA’s office to be sent to the parents, notifying them of their legal responsibility to return their child to school and rescheduling the conference. Administrators should inform the parent and the bus driver that a child may not be returned to school if they are suspended. On the first occasion of a child returning without a parent conference, the school may readmit the student. It is mandatory for a Behavior Assessment Plan to be drafted following the 1st Out of School Suspension.  Recommended Expulsion Students may be recommended for expulsion on the 4th suspendable offense and must be recommended for expulsion prior to the 11th day of out of school suspension. This may be a result of habitual violations of school rules, or for other serious one-time infractions (drugs, weapons, and other serious offenses). Recommended Expulsion for Threatening (5C) should only be utilized for serious, viable threats as determined on the Threat Assessment. A due process hearing will be conducted by a district employee from Child Welfare and Attendance who reviews the students discipline record, allows testimony from the student and school staff and makes a determination. Due Process in the Disciplinary Process Every student must be afforded due process in the disciplinary process. Procedural due process is essentially based on the concept of "fundamental fairness". It includes an individual's right to be adequately notified of charges or proceedings, and the opportunity to be heard at these proceedings.

When a student has been written up and presents to the office the following must occur: 1. The student must be told what he is accused of and by whom (faculty member) 2. The student must be given an opportunity to tell his version of the facts 3. Student must be allowed to provide any witnesses to the event 4. The student must be informed of the administrator’s action on the infraction (consequence) 5. Parents must be notified by personal phone call at the numbers provided if the disposition is one of the following: Before or After School Detention, In School Suspension, Saturday Intervention, Alternative to Suspension, Out of School Suspension (a letter must be mailed to home address on file), Recommended Expulsion (a certified letter must be sent to address on file), and Choices.

Determining Consequences Consequences for specific student behaviors are determined following an investigation by using the appropriate Discipline Matrix (Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Bus).

Authority of School Teachers  Teaching Behavioral Expectations and Remediation of Deficits Each teacher shall in the beginning of each school year and periodically throughout the school year provide his or her students with the rules of the school and how those apply in their particular classroom. The teacher should teach the behavioral expectation and provide a system to acknowledge appropriate behavior and remediate behavioral deficits.  In-School Alternatives and Preservation of Instructional Time Since academic achievement is associated with the amount of instructional time received by a student, the use of alternatives (re-teaching, remediation, brief time-out in classroom, calls to parents, notes home, behavior plans) to removal from class is encouraged. In addition, counseling alternatives (school counselors, classroom assistance team (CAT) social workers (K-3), STARS counselors, Special Education Crisis Teams) are encouraged. Each teacher may take disciplinary action (no state form required) to correct a pupil who disrupts normal classroom activities, who is disrespectful to a teacher, who willfully disobeys a teacher, who uses abusive or foul language directed at a teacher or another pupil, who violates school rules, or who interferes with an orderly education process. The disciplinary action taken by the teacher shall be in accordance with such regulations and procedures established by the school’s Minor Infraction Policy and in accordance with Board policy.

Teacher/Staff Interventions The following are infractions which may be managed initially (dependent upon intensity) by a classroom teacher or other school personnel. Each school is required to have a documented Minor Infraction Policy in accordance with their School Wide Positive Behavior Support Implementation Plan: o Willful Disobedience o Disrespect (rolling eyes, smacking lips, mumbling) o Using Profanity or Vulgar Language/Symbols/Gestures (not directed at an adult) o Inappropriate Behavior with No Intent to Harm (i.e. Pushing, Arguing) o Cheating (on graded assignments) o Displaying Inappropriate Public Affection (holding hands) o Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying of a Student (low level teasing) o Dress Code and ID Violations o Defacing School Property (Vandalism) which can be Corrected (e.g. writing on desk) o Writing Profanity or Vulgar Language/Symbols/Gestures (not directed at anyone) o Skipping (no hall pass, leaving assigned area) o Tardy to Class o Other Classroom/School Disturbances of Low Intensity

The following classroom interventions may be utilized to correct student behavior. o Restating of desired behavior and verbal reminder o Reteaching desired behavior; student-teacher conference o Verbal warning o Written warning, phone call/note home to parent o Behavioral Contract o Individual behavior management plan o Referral to TAT (Teacher Assistance Team), Teaming, Positive Behavior Support or Discipline Committee o Denial of special privileges (computer time, recess) o Assignment of special extra duties o Supervised isolation of the student within the classroom or other area approved by the administrator or designee (time-out) o Assignment of reasonable written or oral work o Referral for a counseling session o Peer mediation/conflict resolution o Parent conference o Detention-during school hours (i.e.: recess detention)

Student Removal From Classroom  A pupil may be immediately removed from a classroom by the teacher and placed in custody of the administrator or designee if the pupil's behavior prevents the orderly instruction of other pupils, poses an immediate threat to the safety of pupils or the teacher, or when a pupil exhibits disrespectful or threatening behavior toward a teacher. If removed, the student shall not receive credit for school work missed. Students who are not preventing instruction may be referred to the office but may not warrant immediate removal.  If a pupil is preventing the delivery of instruction and is removed from class in kindergarten through grade 6, he/she shall not be permitted to return to class for at least thirty (30) minutes unless agreed to by the teacher. A pupil removed from class for preventing instruction in grades 7 through 12 shall not be permitted to return to class during the same class period, unless agreed to by the teacher initiating the disciplinary action.  The following infractions would substantiate removing a student from class immediately and require the completion of a State Behavior form. o Harassment o Threatening Intentionally Pulling Fire Alarm on Campus o Communicating a Bomb Threat o Possession, Distribution, Sale of a Controlled Dangerous Substance(illegal, prescription, over the counter) o Smoking/Possessing Cigarettes or Other Tobacco Products o Possession, Distribution, Sale of Alcohol o Cheating (High Stakes Testing) o Vandalism that cannot be Easily Corrected o Possession of a Weapon (firearm, knives or other implements which can be used as weapons or will injure others) o Fighting or Instigating a Fight o Leaving Class Without Permission o Leaving Campus Without Permission o Use/Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol( no prescription) o Sexual Activity o Repeated Minor Behaviors in which intervention has been attempted and documented and continues to prevent instruction o False Accusation Against a School Employee o Profane or Obscene Language used to a school employee o Battery o Any other Serious Offense o Indecent Exposure  Upon the pupil being removed from class and sent to the principal's office, the principal or designee shall advise the student of the particular misconduct of which he is accused as well as the basis for such accusation, and the pupil shall be given an opportunity to explain his version of the facts. The principal shall conduct a counseling session with the pupil to discuss the particular misconduct and establish a course of action. If the principal determines that the removal of the student from class was warranted, the pupil shall not be readmitted to the classroom until the principal has implemented one of the following disciplinary measures: 1. In-school suspension 2. Detention 3. Suspension 4. Initiation of expulsion hearings 5. Requiring the completion of all assigned school and homework which would have been assigned and completed by the pupil during the period of suspension. 6. Any other disciplinary measure authorized by the principal with the concurrence of the teacher or building level committee (School-wide Discipline Plan).  When a pupil has been removed from a classroom, the teacher may require the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of the pupil to have a conference with the teacher in the presence of the principal or his or her designee before the pupil is readmitted. Upon the pupil's third removal from the same classroom, the teacher and principal shall discuss the pupil's disruptive behavior and contemplated disciplinary measures to be taken before the principal implements such measures. If appropriate, a referral of the matter may be made to the appropriate building level committee. In addition, a conference between the teacher or other appropriate school employee and the pupil's parent, tutor, or legal guardian shall be required prior to the pupil being readmitted. If the disruptive behavior persists, the teacher may request that the principal transfer the pupil into another setting.  Whenever a teacher is struck by a pupil, the pupil, in addition to any other discipline given, shall be permanently removed from the teacher's classroom, unless the teacher objects, or unless the principal, with the concurrence of the building level committee, finds the striking incident to be entirely inadvertent.  Students who are suspended and/or expelled from school may not be on any school campus, school bus, or school event during the term of the suspension and/or expulsion.  Discipline assignments take precedence over all school activities (athletic events, band practice, field trips, etc.) Students suspended and/or expelled may not attend, participate or represent the school in any school activity during the terms of that exclusion or removal. Students returned to campus after a recommended expulsion may continue to be prohibited from extracurricular activities.  When a student transfers from one school to another within the Lafayette Parish School System, the student's discipline/attendance records for that school year will also be transferred. The student will continue at the appropriate step in the discipline process at the new school. Additionally, if a student exits to another school or district or enters from another school or district discipline reports will be requested and reviewed.

Discipline and Alternative Schools Students removed from their home campus and placed at an alternative school site are subject to additional or alternate disciplinary measures that are discussed during the admission of the student to the Alternative Program. Violation of the signed contract can dictate immediate dismissal. Students assigned to an Alternative Program lose their rights and privileges to be on any regular school campus until they have been released from the Alternative Program.

Parental Responsibilities in the Disciplinary Process  Current Contact Information Parents should provide the school with up to date telephone numbers and addresses. When a note is written to a parent, they should sign the note/agenda and have the student return with it on the next school day. If the teacher requests a phone call or conference the parent should contact the school in a timely fashion. Communication between school and home is encouraged but must be scheduled in advance with the teacher to respect class instruction time.  Informing the Parent of Action Correspondence regarding disciplinary action will be made through phone contact, letters/notes sent home with the student (agenda books and weekly folders), and letters sent to the home address through the mail. Parents/guardians shall be notified in writing and/or by telephone when any disciplinary actions occur. The parent will be contacted by phone when one of the following disciplinary actions is applied in grades K-12: Threat Assessment, In School Suspension, Alternative to Suspension, Out of School Suspension, Saturday Intervention, Before or After School Detention or Recommended Expulsion.  Immediate Disciplinary Removal A student whose presence in or about a school poses continued danger to any person or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process shall be immediately removed from the school premises. Phone calls home regarding discipline should be returned immediately. Sometimes it becomes necessary to remove a student from campus immediately due to safety/disciplinary action. A parent or guardian should be available by phone at all times and must make arrangements for pick up as necessary.  Suspensions Letters written informing parents of suspension of their child will be sent to the home. The parent should comply by not sending the child to school or to school related events for the entirety of the suspension. If a parent is required to attend a conference upon return of the child to school, they must attend. On the third removal, such a conference shall be required for readmittance.  Recommending Expulsion The parent or guardian of a student recommended for expulsion from school will receive a certified letter outlining the expulsion procedures. The student is not permitted to attend school until the due process hearing is held. A parent or guardian must attend and bring the student dressed in school uniform. Failure to schedule and attend the hearing so that a disposition may be made will result in referral of the parent and student to the District Attorney’s Office for truancy. The parent and student shall be subject to all sanctions pursuant to Children's Code Article 730 (8) and 731 (La. R.S. 17:416A).  Transportation It is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to provide timely transportation for the student should a student be disciplined for any behavior violations that require additional time at school (before, after, or during school) or any discipline programs (CAPS, LAPS, Choices, Anger Management). If transportation cannot be arranged you should report this to the school principal.  Return from Suspension Conferences Any student placed at the Alternative to Suspension site or Out of School Suspended may not return to school without a parent conference. The parent should come with the child to school on the date they are to return from their suspension to meet with the principal or a school staff member. If the parent does not attend, the principal may choose not to readmit the student and may require the parent come to pick up the student. For continued refusal to attend a conference the parent will be referred to the District Attorney’s office for action under a report for school truancy.

Reports to Principals Any teacher or other school employee may report to the principal any pupil who acts in a disorderly manner or is in violation of school rules, or any misconduct or violation of school rules by a pupil who may or may not be known to the teacher or employee. Incidents of alleged discipline violations shall be reported on two (2) forms, one form to report only school transportation-related incidents and one form to report all other incidents. The forms shall be submitted in accordance with procedures outlined by the Board, the Superintendent, and school system personnel. The principal shall review and act upon such information submitted, to determine if suspension or other disciplinary action is necessary.

Should the principal fail to act on any report of misconduct or school violation, he/she shall explain the reasons for doing so to the Superintendent or designee and to the teacher or school employee reporting the violation.

Delinquent Students Pupils who regularly disrupt the normal school environment shall be considered as delinquent, and may be reported by appropriate school personnel to the juvenile court. Any pupil that exhibits disruptive behavior, an incorrigible attitude, or any other discipline problems in general, may be recommended by the principal for expulsion, assignment to an appropriate alternative education program, or transfer to adult education if the pupil is: 1. Seventeen (17) years of age or older with less than five (5) units of credit toward graduation; 2. Eighteen (18) years of age or older with less than ten (10) units of credit toward graduation; or 3. Nineteen (19) years of age or older with less than fifteen (15) units of credit toward graduation.

Recusal of Principal in Discipline Matters Any school principal or principal's designee who is required to make a recommendation, decide an issue, or take action in a matter involving the discipline of a student shall recuse themselves whenever a member of the immediate family of the principal or principal's designee is involved in any manner in the discipline matter. In case of recusal, the action to be taken shall be done so by the Superintendent or an impartial designee of the Superintendent. Immediate family means the individual's children, brothers, sisters, parents, and spouse and the children, brothers, sisters, and parents of the spouse. Discipline of Students with Section 504 Disabilities Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 2073 requires that a child who is considered handicapped according to the Office of Civil Rights criteria must be evaluated before making a "significant change in his/her placement.” File: JDB-suspensions equaling ten (10) days) and recommended expulsion from school constitute a "significant change in placement.

General Guidelines  When a single suspension or combination of suspensions equal six (6) days, the School Building Level Committee (SBLC) is encouraged to meet, complete a 504 Discipline Form and determine whether the child's behavior is related to the handicapping condition. If this is found to be so, consideration should be given to adjusting the child's school program to provide for his handicap, i.e. behavior management plan.  Upon ten (10) days of accumulated suspensions or if a child is recommended for expulsion from school, the SBLC must meet, complete a 504 Discipline Form and determine whether the behavior is related to the handicapping condition. The 504 Coordinator or designee should be notified of the meeting.  The Committee must include at least one (1) member knowledgeable about the child and his/her behavior and one (1) member with knowledge of characteristics of the handicap. The parent must also be invited to participate.  If the behavior is not related to the handicapping condition, the child may be disciplined according to parish policy. If the behavior is related to the handicapping condition, the child may not be excluded from school; however, the child may be put in an alternative setting after proper interventions have been in place for thirty (30) days and with approval from proper authority. He/she should be referred to the SBLC to determine whether a 504 re-evaluation or IDEA evaluation is appropriate.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities Discipline of students with disabilities shall be in accordance with Policy File JDBC-R Guideline for Administering Discipline of Students with Disabilities.