BOSTON (AP) - Students who are suspended or expelled from Massachusetts
schools will soon have more educational options, under a new state law signed by
Gov. Deval Patrick.
School districts will be required to provide education programs for expelled
or suspended students and to more accurately report discipline data to the
state, beginning in July 2014. The law also establishes a 90 school day maximum
period of exclusion, requires schools to consider alternative disciplines and
creates a process for dealing with students who must permanently leave
school.
Supporters say the law will help keep students focused on their education and
allow the state to investigate racial and ethnic disparities in these
punishments.
But opponents call the law "unrealistic" and say it will burden already
financially strapped districts.
