Outline of the state of Tennessee
State
Tennessee
Required

Category
Reengagement Plans for Suspended or Expelled Students

Category
Reengagement Plans for Suspended or Expelled Students

State law requires districts to adopt plans or policies to support students’ return to school following suspension or expulsion.

Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-3401. Suspension of students — Expulsion of students — Exception for self-defense.

(c)

  • (1) Except in an emergency, no principal, principal-teacher or assistant principal shall suspend any student until that student has been advised of the nature of the student's misconduct, questioned about it and allowed to give an explanation.
  • (2) Upon suspension of any student other than for in-school suspension of one (1) day or less, the principal shall, within twenty-four (24) hours, notify the parent or guardian and the director of schools or the director of schools' designee of:
  • (A) The suspension, which shall be for a period of no more than ten (10) days;
  • (B) The cause for the suspension; and
  • (C) The conditions for readmission, which may include, at the request of either party, a meeting of the parent or guardian, student and principal.
  • (3) If the suspension is for more than five (5) days, the principal shall develop and implement a plan for improving the behavior, which shall be made available for review by the director of schools upon request.
Policy Type
Statute

Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-3402. Alternative schools for suspended or expelled students — Mandated attendance.

(h)

  • (1) LEAs establishing alternative schools or contracting for the operation of alternative schools shall develop and implement formal transition plans for the integration of students from regular schools to alternative schools and from alternative schools to regular schools. The plans shall be targeted to improve communication between regular and alternative school staff, provide professional development opportunities shared by regular school staff and alternative school staff, align curricula between regular schools and alternative schools, develop quality in-take procedures for students returning to regular school and provide student follow-up upon return to regular school.
  • (2) The state board of education shall adopt policies or guidelines to assist LEAs in developing transition plans.
Policy Type
Statute