Most districts provide a handbook for students with a code of conduct to ensure that the policies related to behavior are accessible to families.  It is important that you review these policies with your child as early as possible each year to make sure the rules and consequences are clear.

The district Website will most likely have a link to the handbook. Look under Students, Parents, Documents, or School Board for a heading related to Discipline, Behavior, or Conduct. If this link is not available, contact your child’s school regarding expected conduct guidelines.

Student handbooks include topics such as

• Attendance
• Daily schedules
• Emergency procedures
• Visitors
• Student Services
• Guidance Programs
• Breakfast and Lunch
• Class or teacher changes
• Bus conduct
• Bullying
• Dress codes

Tennessee law gives authority to local boards of education to develop and manage discipline policies. However, there are some specific issues that the Tennessee Code Annotated does address. Refer to the codes for information about these topics: suspension and expulsion [see T.C.A. 49-6-3401 through 49-6-3405], compulsory attendance rules [see T.C.A. 49-6-3007], firearms and controlled substances [T.C.A. 49-6-3401(g)]. Parts 41-45 also address specifics of discipline and behavioral consequences.

A link to the online code follows: http://www.tsc.state.tn.us/Tennessee%20Code