School Climate and Discipline
School climate and discipline policies are governance decisions that directly impact student achievement, safety, and teacher retention. At First State Educate, we support school board members in using data and best practices to create positive learning environments that improve outcomes for students and strengthen Delaware’s public schools.
This page features national policy news and research related to school climate and discipline to help you stay informed about trends, best practices, and emerging issues. Read the article summaries and access the articles via the buttons below. Explore current conversations, understand how other states and districts are approaching these topics, and consider how these insights may inform governance decisions in Delaware.
Recent Action
The law, which is now in effect, updates state discipline policies while creating new standards for handling threats. In updating state discipline policies, the new law grants school boards expanded authority over incidents in connection to weapons, school threats, and school expulsions.
The board unanimously approved Superintendent Rocky Hanna's recommendations affecting 51 students, while teachers pushed back on a board member's support of a state bill involving unions.
A school in Putnam County used grant money to transform an area, making it a welcoming spot for students to start their day, all according to direct student feedback. The new lobby features student-selected art and displays of academic and athletic accomplishments.
The proposed policy change would specifically address the creation, distribution or possession of AI-generated media used to impersonate, intimidate or bully students and staff. Under the new policy, harmful deepfake usage will be classified as “severe incidents“ and will be dealt with as such.