603 Mass. Reg. 53.01 : — DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATIONStudent Discipline — Purpose and Scope

(1) The purpose of 603 CMR 53.00 is:
(a) for those discipline offenses subject to M.G.L. 71, § 37H¾, as set forth in 603 CMR 53.01(2)(a), to limit the use of long-term suspension as a consequence for student misconduct until other consequences have been considered and tried as appropriate;
(b) to promote engagement of a student's parent in discussion of the student's misconduct, and options for responding to it;
(c) to assure that every student who is expelled or suspended, regardless of the reason for suspension or expulsion, has the opportunity to receive education services to make academic progress during the period of suspension or expulsion; and
(d) to keep schools safe and supportive for all students while ensuring fair and effective disciplinary practices.
(2) 603 CMR 53.00 sets forth, for all public preschool, elementary, and secondary schools and programs in Massachusetts, including charter and virtual schools:
(a) at 603 CMR 53.03 through 53.11, the minimum procedural requirements applicable to the suspension of a student for a disciplinary offense other than:
1. possession of a dangerous weapon;
2. possession of a controlled substance;
3. assault on a member of the educational staff; or
4. a felony charge or felony delinquency complaint or conviction, or adjudication or admission of guilt with respect to such felony, if a principal determines that the student's continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school, as provided in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H or 37H½;
(b) the minimum requirements and procedures necessary to ensure that all students who have been suspended, in-school or out-of-school, or expelled, regardless of the type of offense, have an opportunity to make academic progress during their period of suspension, expulsion, or removal from regular classroom activities; and
(c) requirements pertaining to school discipline data reporting and analysis.

603 CMR 53.01

Adopted by Mass Register Issue 1264, eff. 7/4/2014.
Amended by Mass Register Issue 1299, eff. 7/4/2014.