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Discipline Code » Discipline Code

Discipline Code

The Discipline Code is also known as the Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning. It:

  • Is age-specific with one set for grades K-5 and another for grades 6-12.
  • Explains the standards for behavior in the New York City public schools.
  • Describes supports, interventions, and disciplinary responses that schools can use when students demonstrate unwelcome behavior.
  • Explains how you can appeal decisions.
  • Includes the K-12 Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.

Ensuring that every child learns in safe, supportive, and inclusive schools is our top priority. To do this, we use preventive approaches that address the real causes of a conflict as well as reinforcing positive behaviors through teachable moments. The Discipline Code outlines the standards of behavior and the responses if these standards are not met. We encourage you to become familiar with these standards and discuss them at home.

The current version of the Discipline Code includes input from principals, teachers, safety administrators, parents, students, and advocacy groups.

Parents who want to discuss supports and interventions in response to student behavior should contact their child’s school, including the Parent Coordinator, or, if necessary, the Family Support Coordinator in your District Office. Please use our get help page for guidance about the appropriate people in your school or district to reach and for information to look up their contact information.

The Code of Conduct and District-Wide Safety Plan was posted for public comment on August 29, 2019 and was adopted on October 1, 2019 after a public hearing that was held on September 27, 2019.

In addition, the Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning (the Discipline Code), was posted for public comment on June 28, 2019 and was adopted on September 4, 2019 following engagement sessions that were held in each borough on June 29, July 1, July 2, July 16, July 17, July 29, July 30 (a city-wide session) and August 1 (for students) 2019. These were attended by various community members, including student, teacher, administrator and parent organizations, and security personnel.

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