Public elementary or secondary school students; evidence-based restorative disciplinary practices.

This legislation mandates that Virginia’s public school divisions implement evidence-based restorative disciplinary practices to address student misconduct. By moving away from purely punitive measures like automatic suspensions or expulsions, the policy encourages schools to focus on repairing harm, fostering accountability, and improving student-teacher relationships. For Arlington Public Schools, this shift aims to reduce the disproportionate use of exclusionary discipline, which often removes students from the classroom environment and disrupts their academic progress. The likely effect is a more stable learning atmosphere where students learn to resolve conflicts constructively, potentially lowering dropout rates and closing achievement gaps. However, successful implementation will depend on providing teachers and staff with adequate resources and training to navigate these behavioral interventions effectively.