Tennessee Examines Student Discipline and Alternative Education Options

NASHVILLE – Tennessee educators gather in Nashville this week to study what the law says about student discipline and to examine programs that provide alternatives to suspension and expulsion. The Student Discipline and Alternative Education (SDAE) Institute train educators about students’ rights, due process and effective ways to help students improve behavior and stay in school. 

“The foremost goal of any educator is to help their students succeed,” Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. “Sometimes behavior must be addressed first. This institute provides guidance on how to help students overcome obstacles to learning and achieve academically.”

Highlights of the conference include a Q&A session with representatives of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Alternative Education, an update on the progress of alternative education in Tennessee, and keynote speeches on student discipline law and appropriate interventions for students. Training sessions will cover topics such as:

1. best practices in alternative education
2. positive behavior support
3. preventing sexual harassment
4. service-learning and life skills training
5. student  threat assessment
6. social and emotional learning
7. transitioning students into the mainstream school environment
8. the legalities of student hearings, school searches and student discipline

“Tennessee has focused diligently on ways to address disciplinary issues that allow students to continue their education and remain on track to graduate,” said Mike Herrmann, Executive Director of School Safety and Learning Support. “The goal is to protect the rights, safety and education of all students.”

To learn more about alternative education in Tennessee, visit http://www.tennessee.gov/education/learningsupport/alted/index.shtml.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.