Student Discipline

Washington public schools are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.This page offers information, guidance, and resources to help understand and implement the new discipline rules and state requirements.

Laws and Rules

This section gives a clear overview of the new student discipline rules for Washington public schools applying to all K-12 students, including key statutes from the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and rules from the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). It also includes information on additional protections for students eligible for special education or Section 504 services.

2025 Revised Discipline Rules

The updated student discipline rules (Chapter 392-190, 392-400, 392-401 WAC) were adopted on June 10, 2025. These rules are permanent and take effect 31 days later, on July 11, 2025. School districts must ensure their policies comply with these laws and promote fairness for everyone. Check the resources below to see what has changed following the adoption of the permanent rules. OSPI Rulemaking Activity also provides information on the full rulemaking process.

Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Laws 

School District Policies and Procedures

  • RCW 28A.600.010: Enforcement of rules of conduct-Due process guarantees-Computation of days for short-term and long-term suspensions.
  • RCW 28A.600.015: Expulsions and suspensions-Rules incorporating due process-Short-term and long-term suspensions-Emergency removals-Discretionary discipline.
  • RCW 28A.600.020: Exclusion of student from classroom-Written disciplinary procedures-Long-term suspension or expulsion.
  • RCW 28A.600.022: Suspended or expelled students-Reengagement plan.
  • RCW 28A.600.410: Alternatives to suspension-Encouraged.
  • RCW 28A.600.460: Classroom discipline-Policies-Classroom placement of student offenders-Data on disciplinary actions.
  • RCW 28A.320.211: Discipline policies, procedures, and rules-Dissemination of information-Use of disaggregated data-Review.
  • RCW 28A.345.090: Model school district discipline policies-Adoption and enforcement by school districts.
  • RCW 28A.210.368 Nutrition, health, and physical education model policy and procedure - Discourage withholding recess as a disciplinary or punitive action.

OSPI Rule Making Authority

  • RCW 28A.600.015: Expulsions and suspensions-Rules incorporating due process-Short-term and long-term suspensions-Emergency removals-Discretionary discipline.
  • RCW 28A.600.020: Exclusion of student from classroom-Written disciplinary procedures-Long-term suspension or expulsion.

Discipline Data

  • RCW 28A.600.460: Classroom discipline-Policies-Classroom placement of student offenders-Data on disciplinary actions.
  • RCW 28A.300.042: Collection and submittal of student-level data-Student data-related reports-Disaggregation of data by subgroups-Modification of statewide student data systems.
  • RCW 28A.300.046: "Student absence from school"-Rules-Collection of attendance and discipline data.
  • RCW 28A.320.211: Discipline policies, procedures, and rules-Dissemination of information-Use of disaggregated data-Review.
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Rules

Chapter 392-400 WAC on Student Discipline outlines the rights and responsibilities of students, parents/guardians, and districts when discipline is administered at school. Other sections include guidance on:

  • Purpose / Authority / Application / Definitions
  • Discipline Policies
  • Classroom Exclusions
  • Suspensions and Expulsions
  • Emergency Removals
  • Educational Services
  • Reengagement
  • Additional Due Process Protection
School Board Policies & Procedures

In accordance with RCW 28A.600.010, every school district’s board of directors must adopt local discipline policies and procedures consistent with Federal and State laws, OSPI’ discipline rules under chapter 392-400 WAC, and the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) model discipline policy established under RCW 28A.345.090.

School board policies and procedures must outline each district’s guidance and scope of authority regarding student discipline as required under WAC 392-400-110, and be made available to students, families, and the community. 

WSSDA’s Featured Policies and Procedures offers model policies, procedures and forms for use:

Protections for Students with Disabilities

Washington State student discipline laws apply to all K–12 students. However, additional protections apply for students served or deemed eligible for special education or Section 504 services. Under WAC 392-172A-05170 if the district had knowledge (refer to WAC to define basis of knowledge) that a student was eligible for special education services prior to assigning discipline, the student must be provided special education discipline protections.

Provisions of Special Education Services can be found in Chapter 392-172A WAC. Discipline Procedures can be found in WAC 392-172A-05140 through WAC 392-172A-05175. 

Special Education Protections

Students with 504 Plans

Guidance and Resources

Under WAC 392-400-110, board policies and procedures must outline each district’s guidance and scope of authority regarding student discipline. For local guidance refer to your school board policy on student discipline, often numbered 3241, and see the School Board Policies & Procedures section above for additional information. 

For guidance on additional special education and 504 protections, see Protections for Students with Disabilities section above.

Our guidance and technical documents will be posted to this webpage as they are updated.

District and School Resources

Resources

Behavior Support & Restorative Practices Resources

Behavior Support

Restorative Practices

Parent/Guardian and Student Guidance 

Resources and guidance for parents/guardians regarding student behavior and school discipline.

Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) – School Discipline - If unresolved policy issues are still impacting your child, consider seeking help to ensure their needs are addressed.

Student Behavior and Discipline Research

Choose from peer-reviewed articles, resources, and studies detailing best practices for student behavior and discipline. 

Discipline Data Requirements

Washington school districts are required to collect student-level discipline data for state and federal reporting purposes. OSPI is also required to make disaggregated discipline data publicly available. 

Discipline Data Reporting

School districts should regularly review discipline data to identify patterns and levels of disproportionality in discipline policy. School and district teams should integrate the use of data across multiple domains to guide equitable data-based decision-making regarding root cause analysis, student interventions, professional learning opportunities, and practices, policies and systems change.

Reporting

Washington State Report Card - State out-of-school exclusionary discipline data available by district, school, grade-level, student demographics and characteristics, and by school year.

CEDARS Manual and Reporting Guidance 

  • File R – Student Exclusionary Discipline
  • Appendix B – State Behavior Codes

Discipline Data Tips – OSPI Student Information

Student Discipline and Behavior Data Review

Washington discipline laws require school districts to review disaggregated discipline data. It should be reviewed by student demographics and characteristics, behavior and exclusion categories, length of exclusions, etc. This should be done when developing and periodically reviewing the district’s discipline policies and procedures. It must include the participation of school personnel, students, parents, families, and the community in order to:

  • Monitor the impact of the district’s discipline policies, procedures, and practices.
  • Update the district’s discipline policies and procedures to improve fairness and equity in the administration of discipline.

RCW 28A.600.460: Classroom discipline—Policies—Classroom placement of student offenders—Data on disciplinary actions.

RCW 28A.600.490: Discipline task force—Development of standard definitions—Development of data collection standards—Membership—Statewide student data system revision.

RCW 28A.300.042: Collection and submittal of student—level data—Student data—related reports—Disaggregation of data by subgroups—Modification of statewide student data systems.

RCW 28A.300.046: "Student absence from school"—Rules—Collection of attendance and discipline data.

RCW 28A.320.211: Discipline policies, procedures, and rules—Dissemination of information—Use of disaggregated data—Review

WAC 392-400-110(2): Discipline policies and procedures—Development and review

WAC 392-190-048: Access to course offerings—Student discipline and corrective action.

Federal Discipline Data Requirements

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), for school districts receiving Title I, Part A funds, the district’s plan must include how the district “will support efforts to reduce the overuse of discipline practices that remove students from the classroom, which may include identifying and supporting schools with high rates of discipline, disaggregated by subgroups of students” in accordance with Sec. 1112(b)(11).

Resources

Using Discipline Data within SWPBIS to Identify and Address Disproportionality: A Guide for District and School Teams - National Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Technical Assistance Center

Addressing the Root Causes of Disparities in School Discipline - National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments

School Climate and Discipline and Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) - U.S. Department of Education

Equity in Student Discipline

While overall rates of exclusionary discipline have declined over the last decade, significant disparities between disaggregated student groups persist. These trends warrant serious attention from school districts, as well as OSPI, to work toward equitable opportunities and outcomes for each and every student. 

Washington civil rights laws require school districts to review disaggregated discipline data, including by race/ethnicity, to identify and address discrimination against students in protected classes identified in chapters 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW. While the process districts adopt for using disaggregated discipline data under state discipline laws may also include reviewing data to prevent and address discrimination, districts must ensure they review disaggregated discipline data in accordance with WAC 392-190-048 at least annually.  

For information regarding civil rights laws and discipline, refer to Preventing and Addressing Discrimination in Student Discipline and contact OSPI’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights. 

Data Dashboard Review Tools
Resources and References
Root Cause Analysis

The following are guides and tools to help district staff understand the root causes of why discipline is applied differently in their schools.