If a student in your class is very disruptive, you have the right to have that child removed for a single period, a single day or up to four days. The removal process is spelled out in Chancellor’s Regulation A-443 (Student Disciplinary Procedures), a booklet that parents, children and staff are supposed to receive at the beginning of the school year.
Before beginning the process, you should first let the student know that he or she is in danger of being removed for the class and listen to his or her version. If you are still convinced of the necessity for the removal, talk to the principal and complete a Student Removal Form. If the principal doesn’t help, ask your chapter leader about filing a grievance under contact Article 9 and Appendix B.
Make sure you maintain an anecdotal log of the child’s behavior for any hearings that may occur. For your log you can use the student removal form, which asks you to specify the disruptive activities as well as the interventions that you have taken.
The procedure for removing disruptive students is also covered under a state law that was championed by the UFT. Among other provisions, the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (SAVE) requires each school to have a removal procedure and an alternative site (i.e., SAVE room) where the child can receive instruction and other supports and interventions. You have the right to file an expedited appeal to the chancellor if you have followed the procedures and your principal refuses to remove a disruptive student from your class or returns the student sooner than what you agreed to. See your chapter leader for the details of your school plan.
As a result of a U.S. Supreme Court decision, the procedures are different for children with disabilities who exhibit disruptive behavior. These issues should be addressed in the child’s IEP. In some cases it may be appropriate to do a reevaluation and/or a change in the student’s placement. For children with disabilities who exhibit dangerous behavior, there are special procedures to follow; contact your district representative for assistance.
See an overview of changes made in 2017 to the discipline code »