National PTA Applauds Guidance Package Issued by U.S. Departments of Education and Justice to Improve School Discipline Policies and Practices

On Jan. 8, the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice released guidelines and resources to assist states, districts and schools in establishing discipline practices. The goal of the guidance package is to reduce the number of unnecessary school suspensions and keep students in class where they can learn. In addition, the guidance package will help create safe, positive school climates, which are essential to improve student academic success and close achievement gaps. The guidance package also is designed to empower parents to advocate for change on behalf of students and partner with schools to improve safety and ensure that responses to misbehavior are effective.