SCH CD-IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. Provides that if a student is sent home for a full or partial school day, subjected to an in-school suspension, told not to come to school for non-medical reasons, or for other reasons that are not valid causes for absence, including behaviors that do not rise to the level of gross disobedience or misconduct, removal from the educational environment must be documented and the student's parent or guardian must be provided a notice in writing describing the action taken and the specific reason or reasons for the action. Provides that the written notice to the parents or guardian of a student with a disability provided must include a description of the school district's responsibility to convene a meeting of the student's IEP team or Section 504 plan team to review the student's behavioral intervention plan or to develop such a plan, and the parent's right to request such a meeting, if the cumulative number of days of removal of the student exceeds 10 in a school year. Provides that a school board shall authorize a superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant principal, or dean of students of any school to assign pupils guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct and send the pupil to in-school suspension, and no action shall lie against them for the in-school suspension. Provides that before assigning a pupil to in-school suspension, the charges shall be explained to the pupil and the pupil shall be given an opportunity to respond to the charges. Provides that pupils shall be given the opportunity to complete classroom work during the in-school suspension for equivalent academic credit. Provides that an in-school suspension program provided by a school district for any pupils in kindergarten through grade 12 may focus on promoting non-violent conflict resolution and positive interaction with other pupils and school personnel. Provides that a school district may employ a school social worker or a licensed mental health professional to oversee an in-school suspension program. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.