Code of Massachusetts Regulations
603 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
Title 603 CMR 53.00 - Student Discipline
Section 53.05 - Alternatives to Suspension under M.G.L. c. 71, Section 37H3/4
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
In every case of student misconduct for which suspension may be imposed, a principal, headmaster, superintendent or other person acting as a decision-maker at a student meeting or hearing shall first consider ways to re-engage the student in learning; and shall not use suspension from school as a consequence until alternative remedies have been tried, and documented, except as follows:
(a) where said decision-maker documents specific reasons why alternative remedies are unsuitable or counterproductive; or
(b) where the student's continued presence in school would pose a specific, documentable concern about the infliction of serious bodily injury or other serious harm to another person while in school. Alternative remedies may include, but are not limited to, the use of evidence-based strategies and programs such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and collaborative problem solving.