Discipline Concerns in Washington State Schools: Parents Seek Safety Solutions

Lockers in school building.Photo bymoren hsuonUnsplash

As Washington State students head back to school, many families are anxious about bullying and violent behavior in the classroom. Parents wonder what discipline measures other parents and their school district are using and how this affects their child’s education.

More than one parent has complained that his or her child is being bullied. All too often, it seems as if the laws favor the bully. Where does it end? Is sending your child to school becoming more dangerous than in previous years? How can Washington State improve the game and make schools safer?

Nashika Forsman, a mother from Tacoma in the Franklin-Pierce School District, expressed her concerns, saying, “I felt like my son’s safety and security were put at risk.”

With the new school year underway, ensuring safety is a top priority for districts across Washington. The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) recently implemented an "emergency rule" affecting how schools manage student behavior.

While this rule clarifies specific definitions and requires districts to align their policies, it does not substantially alter existing disciplinary procedures. Forsman, however, feels that the current system remains ineffective.

“My son is a charming and kind young man,” Forsman said, referring to her 11-year-old son, Mahki Brown, who has just started sixth grade. Last year, Mahki repeatedly encountered issues with another student, experiencing physical bullying, according to Forsman.

“He keeps bullying my son,” Forsman explained. “This boy even pushed him to the ground,” Forsman mentioned, saying that she could not have her son moved to a different class and felt no consequences for the other student.

Where does it end? How can students like her son feel safe at school? What are Washington State schools doing to protect students? Are the bullies getting away with it?

When asked how she felt the school and teachers handled the situation, Forsman expressed frustration. “The principal and my son’s teacher didn’t seem to care,” she said.

“It was frustrating,” Forsman continued. She noted that the situation negatively affected her son’s ability to focus and learn in class. “My son was very uncomfortable,” she added.

Forsman’s concerns extend beyond her son, reflecting on the broader issue of student misbehavior. “I feel for the teachers who seem powerless to address these issues. The school system in Washington needs improvement,” Forsman concluded.

She is not alone in her worries. In May, KIRO7 surveyed classroom violence, gathering responses from over 1,150 teachers across Washington.

Many parents are opting to teach their children from home or enroll them in private schools that have a more definitive set of rules that they expect everyone to abide by.

For instance, a veteran high school teacher from Tacoma remarked, “Students feel they can say or do anything without facing meaningful consequences.” A middle school teacher in Snohomish County noted, “Students are not only physically violent but also emotionally abusive, with minimal discipline to deter such behavior.”

Some educators reported feeling so anxious about potential confrontations with certain students that they experienced physical symptoms. “I would be dry heaving in my car to school,” shared a teacher from Tukwila. Another teacher from Federal Way described struggling with sleep issues, acid reflux, and panic attacks related to the school week.

Superintendent Lance Goodpaster of the Franklin-Pierce School District acknowledges that recent changes in student discipline policies come with challenges. In 2019, a new Washington law restricted the use of suspensions and expulsions except in cases where a student brings a gun to school.

For instance, a fight no longer automatically results in suspension; districts must explore alternative solutions without removing the student from class. Additional protections are in place for students with special education needs or IEPs.

“Student behavior is an ongoing issue,” Goodpaster said. The state has been shifting away from suspensions, as research indicates they are ineffective in changing behavior. “We knew even then that suspensions don’t alter behavior; they only delay it.

Meanwhile, the student misses a week of instruction, and the behaviors persist,” Goodpaster explained. However, he emphasizes that consequences still exist in a more nuanced form.

One potential solution might involve a facilitated discussion between the aggressor and the victim. “It’s not just about an apology but also about outlining changes in behavior,” Goodpaster noted. “The victim deserves to feel heard and acknowledged.” Unfortunately, this rarely happens.

For the current school year, the OSPI has issued a bulletin on “Student Discipline Emergency Rules,” which are now in effect. These rules aim to:

- Set more explicit expectations and requirements for local education agencies

- Define terms such as “exclusion” and “discretionary” discipline

- Promote consistent enforcement of appropriate student behavior across schools

Goodpaster reminds families that suspensions remain an option for serious infractions, including robbery, drug possession, assaulting a teacher, or severe fights. He encourages parents to voice their concerns about their children’s safety. “We want to hear from parents who are worried,” Goodpaster said. “We aim to address behavior issues while keeping their children safe. It’s about finding the right balance.”

Regarding Forsman’s son, Goodpaster could not provide specific details but mentioned that communication might have faltered. He stressed the importance of communication. “Whether or not a suspension is applied, we can inform parents about what’s happening and why. While we can’t share all details about the other student for privacy reasons, we assure parents that appropriate measures have been taken.”

Forsman, however, worries that the new disciplinary approach isn’t practical. “It’s unfair to the teachers and the other students,” she said.

Meanwhile, Brown looks forward to a fresh start at a new school this year. “I’m excited for a fresh start,” Brown said. What do you think? Are more changes needed? Is lack of discipline affecting Washington State schools? Are schools more dangerous today than they used to be? What are your thoughts?

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