Louisiana state superintendent calls for assertive discipline action in schools

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Classes are set to begin soon for students in Louisiana. Before the beginning of school, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley sent a letter calling for school system leaders to “recommit to assertive discipline action.”

“Campus and classroom disruptions are hindering the teaching profession and student learning,” Brumley wrote in the letter. “As we approach a new school year, please recommit to assertive discipline action to create safe and orderly environments where teaching and learning can flourish. Students and teachers deserve peaceful schools.”

He highlighted the recommendations made by his Let Teachers Teach workgroup regarding student behavior and discipline. Some recommendations include removing disruptive students from the classroom, putting “ungovernable” students in alternative school sites and limiting cell phone use.

Two school-related laws passed during the 2024 Legislative Session are set to go into effect on Thursday, Aug. 1.

Act 400 amended existing law to codify that school system leaders cannot discriminate or retaliate against a teacher for removing disruptive students from the classroom. It also amends current law to require a parent-teacher conference before allowing a disruptive student back into the classroom after a third removal.

Act 337 adds expulsion requirements for students in grades 6-12 who are found with knives and drugs. It also said if a student in grades 6-12 is suspended for a third time in a single school year then they should be recommended for expulsion.

“These laws address behavior complications educators and students faced in previous years and aim to improve the school experience,” wrote Brumley. “Affording teachers more disciplinary authority over disruptive students will maintain order in classrooms. Further, students will benefit as distractions will be lessened and academic outcomes strengthened.”

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