Arlington Public Schools released data showing what too many parents already know: students with disabilities are at high risk for being subjected to discipline. All too often, students are inappropriately disciplined for disability-related behaviors when schools should instead be using proactive strategies such as positive behavioral interventions.
Arlington’s data is in line with national trends and there is a growing movement to address this problem. Parents in APS may wish to watch the report on APS Responses to Student Behaviors at the Arlington School Board meeting on Thursday October 14, 2021.
Students with disabilities who are inappropriately subjected to discipline have many important rights under local school board policies and procedures, student codes of conduct, and federal and state law.