texas education code chapter 37 pdf
Texas Education Code Chapter 37 focuses on discipline‚ law‚ and order in public schools‚ ensuring safe learning environments. It outlines policies for student conduct‚ teacher authority‚ and support services to address behavioral issues while promoting respect and responsibility. The chapter applies to all public schools in Texas‚ emphasizing accountability and the provision of fair procedures for addressing misconduct. It also establishes a framework for alternative education programs and collaboration with law enforcement to maintain school safety and order.
Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct outlines expectations for student behavior‚ promoting respect and responsibility. It is adopted by each district and must be displayed prominently or made available for review. The code addresses prohibited behaviors‚ such as harassment‚ and ensures a safe and orderly learning environment. It is annually approved and distributed to students and parents.
2.1. Purpose and Importance
The Student Code of Conduct is essential for fostering a disciplined and respectful school environment. Its primary purpose is to establish clear behavioral expectations‚ ensuring students understand their responsibilities. By promoting positive behavior‚ the code supports academic success and social growth. It also protects the rights of all students and staff to a safe‚ disruption-free setting. The code is legally mandated under Texas Education Code Chapter 37‚ emphasizing accountability and consistency in addressing misconduct. This framework helps prevent conflicts and ensures that schools remain focused on education and personal development. Compliance with the code is crucial for maintaining a productive and secure campus atmosphere.
2.2. Development and Adoption
The Student Code of Conduct is developed and adopted by each school district in Texas‚ adhering to guidelines set by the Texas Education Code Chapter 37. Districts collaborate with stakeholders‚ including teachers‚ parents‚ and administrators‚ to create tailored policies. The process ensures the code reflects local values while meeting state standards. Annual review and updates are required to keep the code relevant and effective. Districts must also ensure the code aligns with legal requirements‚ such as procedural safeguards for students with disabilities. Adoption involves board approval‚ ensuring transparency and accountability. This collaborative approach ensures consistency and fairness in addressing student behavior across the state.
2.3. Key Provisions
The Student Code of Conduct outlines key provisions to ensure a safe and respectful school environment. It includes standards for student behavior‚ consequences for misconduct‚ and procedures for addressing violations. Provisions emphasize preventing physical or verbal aggression‚ sexual harassment‚ and other disruptive behaviors. The code also requires documentation of incidents and parental notification in certain cases. Additionally‚ it mandates that students be informed of their rights and responsibilities. Provisions are designed to promote accountability‚ fairness‚ and support for students‚ while ensuring a focused and productive learning atmosphere. These guidelines are consistently updated to reflect legal requirements and educational best practices.
2.4. Display Requirements
The Texas Education Code Chapter 37 mandates that the Student Code of Conduct be prominently displayed at each school campus or made available for review in the principal’s office. This ensures accessibility to all students‚ parents‚ and staff. The document must be posted in visible areas‚ such as school entrances or online platforms‚ to guarantee transparency. Proper display ensures that everyone is aware of the rules‚ consequences‚ and expectations. This requirement facilitates accountability and helps maintain a structured environment. By making the code readily accessible‚ schools promote understanding and adherence to the guidelines‚ fostering a safe and orderly educational setting for all students. This visibility also supports the prevention of misconduct and ensures fairness in addressing violations.
Removal by Teacher
Texas Education Code Chapter 37 allows teachers to remove disruptive students from class to maintain discipline. The teacher may send the student to the principal’s office‚ ensuring orderly learning environments are maintained.
3.1. Teacher’s Authority
Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37‚ teachers are granted authority to maintain classroom discipline. They may remove disruptive students who interfere with teaching‚ ensuring effective learning environments. The code empowers teachers to document such behavior and take appropriate action without prior approval‚ allowing for immediate responses to disruptions. This authority is designed to support teachers in managing their classrooms effectively while upholding school safety and respect for the educational process. It balances the need for discipline with the rights of students‚ ensuring a structured and focused learning atmosphere.
3.2. Process and Documentation
When a teacher removes a student under Texas Education Code Chapter 37‚ the process requires documentation of the disruptive behavior. The teacher must detail the specific actions interfering with the learning environment and provide this information to the principal. The principal then determines the appropriate disciplinary action‚ which may include placement in a disciplinary alternative education program. Documentation ensures accountability and transparency‚ outlining the reasons for removal and the steps taken. This process aligns with the code’s emphasis on maintaining order while safeguarding students’ rights‚ ensuring that actions are fair‚ documented‚ and in compliance with legal standards.
3.3. Consequences for Students
Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37‚ students removed from class may face consequences such as placement in a disciplinary alternative education program. This action is intended to address disruptive behavior and ensure a safe learning environment. The student’s removal and subsequent placement are documented‚ with details provided to the principal. Consequences may also include loss of privileges or participation in extracurricular activities. The code emphasizes fair treatment and accountability‚ ensuring students understand the repercussions of their actions while maintaining educational opportunities. These measures aim to promote respect‚ responsibility‚ and order in schools‚ balancing discipline with support for student growth and well-being.
Placement Review Committee
The Placement Review Committee oversees student placements in disciplinary programs‚ ensuring appropriateness and fairness. It reviews cases‚ adheres to guidelines‚ and supports educators and students effectively.
4.1. Role and Responsibilities
The Placement Review Committee plays a critical role in ensuring that student placements in disciplinary programs align with legal requirements and school district policies. The committee is responsible for reviewing cases where students are referred for placement in alternative education programs. It evaluates the circumstances leading to the placement‚ ensuring that decisions are fair‚ equitable‚ and in the best interest of the student. Additionally‚ the committee reviews documentation to verify that procedural safeguards have been followed. Its responsibilities also include making recommendations to school administrators regarding appropriate placements and ensuring that students’ educational needs are met during their time in alternative settings.
4.2. Composition and Meetings
The Placement Review Committee is typically composed of school administrators‚ teachers‚ counselors‚ and other relevant staff to ensure diverse perspectives. Meetings are convened to review student cases referred for disciplinary action or placement in alternative education programs. The committee must meet at least once every 30 days or as needed to address pending cases. A quorum is required for decision-making‚ and all proceedings are documented to ensure transparency. The committee operates in accordance with the Texas Education Code and local district policies‚ ensuring that all actions are legally sound and in the best interest of students. Regular meetings help maintain consistency in disciplinary processes and support student welfare.
4.3. Decision-Making Process
The Placement Review Committee follows a structured decision-making process to ensure fairness and consistency. Decisions are based on the severity of misconduct‚ student history‚ and mitigating circumstances. The committee reviews all relevant documentation‚ including incident reports and disciplinary records. Parents or guardians are typically notified and may participate in the process. Decisions must align with the Texas Education Code and district policies‚ ensuring procedural safeguards for students. The committee’s rulings are documented‚ and students or parents can request a review or appeal under specific conditions. This process aims to balance accountability with support‚ ensuring students receive appropriate interventions while maintaining educational continuity.
Placement of Students with Disabilities
Texas Education Code Chapter 37 ensures specific considerations for students with disabilities‚ requiring compliance with federal laws and ensuring fair‚ tailored disciplinary actions that accommodate their needs.
5.1. Special Considerations
Texas Education Code Chapter 37 requires schools to provide special considerations for students with disabilities‚ ensuring their rights are protected under federal and state laws. Placement decisions must align with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans‚ avoiding disciplinary actions that discriminate based on disability. Schools must offer tailored support to address specific needs while maintaining academic and behavioral expectations. This ensures fair treatment and equal educational opportunities‚ preventing unlawful discrimination. Regular reviews by the Placement Review Committee are conducted to ensure compliance and appropriateness of placements‚ guaranteeing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
5.2. Procedural Safeguards
Procedural safeguards under Texas Education Code Chapter 37 ensure that students with disabilities and their parents are informed and involved in disciplinary decisions. These safeguards include prior written notice before any disciplinary action‚ the right to dispute resolution‚ and protections against discrimination. Schools must provide detailed documentation and ensure compliance with federal laws‚ such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These safeguards aim to prevent unfair or discriminatory treatment‚ ensuring students receive appropriate support while maintaining access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). They also protect students from unnecessary or inappropriate disciplinary actions that may violate their rights.
5.3. Collaboration with Special Education Services
Texas Education Code Chapter 37 emphasizes the importance of collaboration between general education and special education services to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate support. Special education staff work closely with administrators and teachers to develop behavior intervention plans and provide accommodations. This collaboration ensures that disciplinary actions align with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans‚ maintaining their rights and access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). By integrating special education services into discipline processes‚ schools can address behavioral challenges effectively while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that protects the rights of all students‚ including those with disabilities.
Law and Order in Schools
Texas Education Code Chapter 37 ensures schools maintain a safe and orderly environment by establishing clear discipline policies and fostering collaboration with law enforcement and emergency services.
6.1. Role of School Administrators
School administrators play a crucial role in maintaining law and order under Texas Education Code Chapter 37. They are responsible for implementing the student code of conduct‚ ensuring a safe and orderly environment. Administrators oversee disciplinary actions‚ coordinate with law enforcement‚ and respond to emergencies. They also ensure compliance with legal requirements and oversee the placement of students in appropriate disciplinary programs. Their leadership is essential in fostering a respectful and secure educational setting‚ addressing behavioral issues‚ and upholding the integrity of school policies and procedures.
6.2. Coordination with Law Enforcement
Texas Education Code Chapter 37 emphasizes the importance of coordination between schools and law enforcement to ensure campus safety and address incidents. Schools must collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond to criminal activities‚ threats‚ and emergencies. This includes sharing information‚ conducting joint training‚ and developing emergency response plans. Administrators are required to involve law enforcement in cases involving serious misconduct‚ such as assaults or drug violations‚ to ensure legal and disciplinary actions align. This partnership aims to create a secure educational environment while respecting student rights and adhering to legal standards.
6.3. Emergency Response Planning
Texas Education Code Chapter 37 mandates that schools develop and implement comprehensive emergency response plans to ensure student and staff safety during crises. These plans must outline procedures for evacuations‚ lockdowns‚ and communication strategies‚ and must be reviewed and updated annually. Schools are required to conduct regular drills to prepare students and staff for potential emergencies. Additionally‚ districts must coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency management officials to ensure a unified response. The goal is to protect everyone on campus and minimize risks during critical incidents‚ fostering a safe and prepared learning environment.
6.4. Prevention and Education Programs
Texas Education Code Chapter 37 emphasizes the importance of prevention and education programs to address behavioral issues and promote a safe school environment. Schools are required to implement programs that focus on conflict resolution‚ anger management‚ and respect for others. These programs aim to prevent physical aggression‚ verbal abuse‚ and sexual harassment. Additionally‚ schools must provide education on the consequences of inappropriate behavior and the importance of adhering to the student code of conduct. Regular training sessions for students and staff are mandated to ensure understanding and compliance. By fostering a culture of respect and responsibility‚ these programs help create a positive and secure learning atmosphere.