--- title: Types of school discipline description: When students break the rules, schools may discipline students. Some schools use punishment. But others use more progressive measures. Learn about the different types of school discipline. slug: types-of-school-discipline author: Andrew M.I. Lee, JD reviewer: Robert Tudisco, Esq. published: '2024-02-07T16:40:37.350Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/2LSnUbvI0UHxEApmSoytWI/070ea2a1dca1fe063e1766cbf9dfdf2e/G1341425686.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-school-discipline lang: en --- # Types of school discipline Most parents and schools try to prevent misbehavior. But when students break the rules, schools often take disciplinary actions. That includes students with [IEPs and 504 plans](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-difference-between-ieps-and-504-plans), who have [extra rights under the law](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/school-discipline-rights-ieps-504-plans) when it comes to school discipline. These actions can range from minor to very harsh. Schools that are traditional may focus on punishment. More progressive schools may take a different approach.  Some types of discipline — like restraint and seclusion — are very controversial. These practices are legal in some states.  Here’s a list of disciplinary actions you may hear about: - **Parent contact:** Calling a child’s parents or sending a note home - **Conference:** Having the child meet with a principal or teacher, sometimes joined by parents or caregivers - **Schoolwork:** Requiring the child to do schoolwork, like writing the same sentence over and over on the chalkboard - **Counseling:** Pairing the child with a professional to talk about the misbehavior - **Detention:** Placing a child in a supervised area during or after school - **Suspension:** Sending a child home from school for one or more days - **Expulsion:** Removing a child from school permanently - **Restraint:** Preventing a child from moving, either physically or with a mechanical device - **Seclusion:** Placing a child alone in a locked room or separate area of the school and not letting the child leave - **Restorative justice:** Having a child make amends through an apology, peer mediation, or other action If the school decides to take disciplinary action that you disagree with, there are steps you can take. First, you can go to the superintendent or school board and appeal it. You can also talk to a [lawyer or advocate](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-difference-between-special-education-advocates-and-attorneys). Want to know more? Listen to a [podcast episode about bias in school discipline](https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/undefined/undefined). And learn about [positive behavioral interventions and supports](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-pbis) (PBIS), an approach to school discipline focused on prevention, not punishment. --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [School discipline rights for kids with IEPs and 504 plans](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/school-discipline-rights-ieps-504-plans) - Public schools can discipline any student who breaks school rules. But students with IEPs and 504 plans have extra protections when it comes to discipline. Read this guide and watch the video below to learn more. - [8 steps to take if your child is facing disciplinary action](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/8-steps-to-take-if-your-child-is-facing-disciplinary-action) - Schools have to follow certain rules when disciplining students. If your child is accused of serious misconduct, here are some steps to take as the school decides whether it will suspend or expel your child. Gather the facts. Talk to the school about what happened. Get your childs side of the story - [School discipline: The rights of kids without an IEP or 504 plan](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/school-discipline-the-rights-of-kids-without-an-iep-or-504-plan) - - Every student has some rights when disciplined in school. - Students with IEPs or 504 plans have additional legal rights and protections. - Students without IEPs or 504 plans may be protected if the school had a reason to know they had a disability when it punished them. 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