Student Discipline

Student Discipline in Texas

Texas public schools are required to develop and enforce various student discipline policies that follow Texas Education Code and federal law. These policies include a student code of conduct outlining disciplinary actions taken based on student behavior. The Texas Education Agency's (TEA) Student Discipline Program provides guidance to school systems and regional education service centers (ESCs) on these disciplinary policies, procedures, and discipline data reporting requirements.

Bullying Prevention Policies and Procedures

Texas Education Code (TEC), §37.0832(c), requires school systems to adopt policies and procedures concerning bullying prevention. Senate Bill 2050, 87^th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, added TEC, §37.0832(c-1), requiring the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to adopt minimum standards for the bullying prevention policies and procedures school systems adopt under TEC, §37.0832(c). TEA finalized its Minimum Standards for Bullying Prevention Policies and Procedures January 31, 2023.

• Minimum Standards for Bullying Prevention

Student Discipline Professional Development and Technical Resources

Student Discipline Professional Development Training and Office Hours:

TEA 2024-2025 Student Discipline – Chapter 37 Training is now offered via TEALearn as a self-paced online course. This online training provides the same comprehensive information previously available in-person and virtually, led by Mary Scott. 

Important Details:

• TEALearn Account Required: If you haven't created a TEALearn account, you'll need to set up an account first before enrolling in the course.  The following link explains the process for registration in TEALearn and enrolling in a course through the platform: How to Create a TEALearn Account and Enroll in a Course

• Access the Training: Links to register for the training can be found by searching on TEALearn or at TEA 2024-2025 Student Discipline – Chapter 37 Training

• Certificate of Completion: After finishing the course and a short quiz, you'll receive a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate if you plan to attend Student Discipline Office Hours.

• Chat & Chill - Student Discipline Office Hours are available beginning January 2025. You may register for a session after completing the TEALearn Student Discipline Training. Chat & Chill - Student Discipline Office Hours Registration Link 

Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Resources

The following list of TEA approved assessments may be use in compliance with TEC, §37.0082 and  TAC, Rule §103.1203:

1. Grade level released state assessments for reading and mathematics (STARR Released Test Questions),
2. Grade level End of Course (EOC) exams that include the assessment of basic reading and mathematics skills, and
3. TEA approved district assessment that includes the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for reading and mathematics for the student's assigned grade.

• Alternative Education Program (AEP) Individualized Student Transition Plan

Student Discipline Technical Resources

• PEIMS Discipline Data - Questions and Answers
• PEIMS Discipline Data - Behavior and Definition
• PEIMS Discipline Data - Chart for Determining Mandatory and Discretionary DAEP Placements and Expulsions
• Behavior Supports and Guidance for Students with Disabilities
• Discipline Flowchart for Students Identified with or Suspected to Have a Disability Under IDEA
• Administrator Toolkit:  SPED and Intervention 101
• Monthly Supportive Schools Newsletter Subscription