OSEP Director Williams Introduces Discipline and Behavior Series

Office of Special Education Programs Director Valerie Williams has begun a Discipline and Behavior series to highlight effective and equitable disciplinary practices for children with disabilities. The initial discussion, entitled “The Impact and Harm of Exclusionary Discipline,” provides an overview of the importance of adhering to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements to prevent the disproportionate suspensions of children with disabilities, particularly children of color. Williams emphasizes, “We cannot suspend our way to better behavior, but we can invest in what works…. When we pair these tools with leadership and motivation to have honest and reflective discipline discussions, the outcomes can be powerful for children with disabilities and their families.” The blog series will continue over the next few months with topics such as informal removals, alternatives to exclusionary discipline, and proactive approaches to supporting a child’s behavioral needs. The discussions at the federal level, along with the resources provided, are meant to aid in similar stakeholder conversations at the state, district, and school levels.

Read the full blog post here.