Framework for Revising School District Codes of Student Conduct

The proposed outline, based on selected codes of conduct from school districts across the country and other resources, offers a framework for administrators looking to revise their school district’s code of conduct. 

A district’s code of student conduct is an important document that establishes and communicates the district’s policies for addressing conduct in classrooms and on school campuses. The code sets forth procedures for building and maintaining a safe, respectful and positive school climate.

Effective codes are developed with input from school personnel, students and their families, in addition to other community stakeholders, and should be regularly reviewed to determine areas for improvement and revision.

The sections in this framework seek to achieve educational goals (e.g. productive learning environment, student and staff safety, positive school climate) and limit the use of exclusionary discipline, specifically suspension and expulsion.