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DISCIPLINE – AUTHORTIY

  • Who has the overall discipline authority in schools?
    • Each principal has near total disciplinary authority in his or her school. The principal is responsible for establishing procedures and policies governing disciplinary actions that do not result in removal from the classroom for more than half a school day. The principal or a person designated by the Chancellor of the DC Public Schools may authorize on-site or off-site short-term suspensions. The principal may propose off-site medium-term or long-term suspension subject to authorization, modification, or rescission by the Chancellor’s designee. Expulsions, except those related to possession of a firearm, may be proposed in writing by the principal to the Chancellor’s designee. Then, with a recommendation from the Chancellor’s designee, the expulsion proposal is subject to authorization by the head of the Office of Youth Engagement. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2503.1 and B2505.1.
    • The Chancellor of the DC Public Schools, or a person designated by the Chancellor, may review and modify any proposed disciplinary action. The Chancellor or his designee may also propose disciplinary action independently. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2503.3, B2505.1.

DETENTION

  • What is detention and when is it permitted?
    • A detention is a type of “in-school disciplinary action” where the student is required to stay in school after regular school hours. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2599.2.1.
    • Detention is permitted for a variety of behaviors, including:
      • Refusal to present school identification;
      • Attending class without required class materials or assigned work;
      • Off-task behaviors that demonstrate disengagement from classroom learning;
      • Disrupting or interfering with classroom teaching and learning;
      • Unexcused lateness;
      • Inappropriate displays of affection;
      • Making excessive noise in the classroom or building;
      • Running in the classroom or school building;
      • Use of profanity or obscene gestures;
      • Refusal to comply with staff instructions or school rules;
      • Using computers or office equipment without permission;
      • Unauthorized use of portable electronic devices during school hours;
      • Noncompliance with the dress code/uniform policy;
      • Leaving a classroom without permission;
      • Unauthorized absence from class;
      • Unexcused absence from school;
      • Inappropriate or disruptive physical contact between students; 
      • Throwing objects that may cause injury or damage to property;
      • The sale or distribution of any item without authorization;
      • Possession of obscene or pornographic materials;
      • Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or any other controlled substances, intoxicants or drug paraphernalia;
      • Gambling;
      • Academic dishonesty;
      • Engaging in sexual acts; 
      • Lying;
      • Forgery;
      • Extortion;
      • Trespassing;
      • Fighting where there is no injury and no weapon;
      • Posting or distributing material or literature that is disrespectful, demeaning or humiliating to students or staff, including posting materials to the internet or sending material via email or cellphone; 
      • Hazing; and
      • Bullying or using humiliating or intimidating language, including internet bullying.

    D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2502.1, B2502.2.

SUSPENSION

  • Under what circumstances can a student be suspended?
    • Students can be suspended for the following behaviors:
      • The sale or distribution of any item without authorization;
      • Possession of obscene or pornographic materials;
      • Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or any other controlled substances, intoxicants or drug paraphernalia;
      • Gambling;
      • Academic dishonesty;
      • Engaging in sexual acts; 
      • Lying;
      • Forgery;
      • Extortion;
      • Trespassing;
      • Fighting where there is no injury and no weapon;
      • Posting or distributing material or literature that is disrespectful, demeaning or humiliating to students or staff, including posting materials to the internet or sending material via email or cellphone; and
      • Hazing;
      • Bullying or using humiliating or intimidating language, including internet bullying;
      • Acts of vandalism, destruction of property or graffiti; 
      • Documented theft of school or personal property without force;
      • Interfering with school authorities or participating in a major disruption of the school’s operation;
      • Tampering with, changing or altering an official record or document of a school;
      • Persistent harassment based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, class, nationality, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status or other factors;
      • Lewd or indecent public behavior or sexual misconduct;
      • Sexual harassment;
      • Retaliation for reporting harassment or sexual harassment; 
      • Fighting which results in minor or serious injury;
      • Inciting others to violence or disruption;
      • Activating false alarm;
      • Contaminating food;
      • Possession of a weapon or replica or imitation of a weapon other than a gun;
      • Using an object that is not normally considered a weapon to intimidate, threaten or injure another individual;
      • An act of exceptional misconduct at another school;
      • Selling or distributing marijuana, prescription drugs, controlled substances, intoxicants or drug paraphernalia;
      • Assault or physical attacks on students or staff;
      • Participating in a group fight which was planned, caused major disruption to the school day or resulted in substantial bodily injury;
      • Use, threatened use or transfer of any weapon;
      • Use, possession or brining a loaded or unloaded firearm;
      • Assault with a weapon;
      • Commission or attempted commission of any act of sexual assault or sexual aggression;
      • Arson;
      • Making bomb threats;
      • Deliberate acts that cause severe physical injury to others;
      • Any other intentional use of violence, force, coercion; intimidation or comparable conduct.

    D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2502.3- B2502.5.

  • What are the types of suspension?
    • In-School Suspension
      • The only in school suspension in the District of Columbia is the on-site short-term suspension, which may last from one (1) to five (5) school days for secondary students or from one (1) to three (3) school days for elementary students. An on-site short-term suspension may be authorized by the principal of the school or a person designated by the Chancellor. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2505.1(a) and B2599.2.
    • Formal or Out of School Suspension
      • Off-site suspensions may not be used in response to unexcused tardiness or absence. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2504.2. 
      • There are three types of out of school suspensions:

    a. Off-site Short-Term Suspensions may last from one (1) to five (5) school days. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2599.2.

        • An off-site short-term suspension may be authorized by the principal of the school or a person designated by the Chancellor of DC Public Schools. A principal authorizing a short-term suspension must submit the authorization to a person designated by the Chancellor within one (1) school day. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2505.2(a) and B2505.7.

    b. Off-site Medium-Term Suspensions may last from six (6) to ten (10) school days. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2599.2.

        • An off-site medium-term suspension may be proposed by a principal and may only be authorized by the Chancellor or a person designated by the Chancellor. The Chancellor and his or her representative may modify the proposed disciplinary action. A principal or school official proposing a medium or long-term suspension must immediately submit the proposal to a person designated by the Chancellor. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2505.1(c) and B2505.8(d).
        • No more than five (5) school days after receiving the principal’s findings and recommendation for a medium- term suspension, the person designated by the Chancellor must authorize, modify, or rescind the proposed suspension. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.10.

    c. Off-site Long-Term Suspensions may last from eleven (11) to ninety (90) school days. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2599.2.

        • An off-site long-term suspension may be proposed by a principal and may only be authorized by the Chancellor or a person designated by the Chancellor. The Chancellor and his or her representative may modify the proposed disciplinary action. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.1(d).
    • The Process for Suspensions
      • For In-School, Short-Term Off-Site, and Medium-Term Off-Site Suspension: 

    a. A conference with the school official proposing the disciplinary action before the action commences. A student may be suspended prior to a conference if he or she is contributing to an emergency situation in a school (causing fires or false alarms, violence or other highly disruptive or dangerous activities that cause an immediate threat to the health and safety of others). The mandatory conference for suspensions issued due to emergency conditions must be held no more than three (3) school days after the suspension was initiated. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2505.3 and B2504.4.

        • Topics of the conference include: the identity of the person who has the authority to modify or rescind the proposed suspension; the grounds for the disciplinary action; an explanation of the evidence or facts upon which the accusation is based; an opportunity for the student to rebut the charges; the recommended disciplinary action; and an explanation of the parent or guardian’s right to examine the student’s records and any official report; and the student’s right to appeal the disciplinary action or to a hearing. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.4(a)-(f). 

    b. Written notice sent to the parent, guardian or adult student no later than one (1) school day after the decision by the principal, or person designated by the Chancellor, to authorize a suspension. Parents’ attendance, along with witnesses or a legal representative, is permitted but not required. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.6(b).

      • For Long-Term Off Site Suspension

    a. The student must receive a disciplinary hearing in addition to the disciplinary conference. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.15.
    b. The hearing must be held no more than four (4) school days after a written notice is provided to the parent; the hearing may be postponed for up to five (5) school days upon the request of the adult student or the minor student’s parent or guardian, where the postponement is necessary to prepare for the hearing or insure the attendance of necessary parties. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2506.2.

        • The student has the right to have a representative or legal counsel and to question any witness and challenge any evidence. He or she may present testimony and documentary evidence, including calling witnesses. The DC Public Schools has the burden to show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the student committed the infraction(s) upon which the expulsion is based. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2506.4- B2506.7.
        • Within one (1) school day of the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing, the hearing officer must issue a written recommendation including:
          • A statement of the facts, based on the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing;
          • A conclusion as to whether the required due process procedures have been properly followed or waived; and 
          • A conclusion as to whether the student committed the infraction(s) upon which the suspension is based. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2507.1(a)-(c).
          • A person designated by the Chancellor must render a final decision no later than one (1) school day after receiving the hearing officer’s recommendation. A copy of the written determination by the Chancellor’s representative must be given or mailed within twenty-four (24) hours to the adult student, or minor student’s parent or guardian. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2507.2 and B2507.5.
      • Except in emergency situations, students must remain in their assigned classroom or education setting pending a final determination. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2504.15.
      • The principal must provide a student who has been suspended for fewer than eleven (11) days with an education plan that meets the student’s needs and allows the student to make up any classes, homework assignments and exams without penalty. For students suspended for eleven (11) days or more, the student must be placed in an alternative educational setting that will allow the student the opportunity to continue to earn credits toward promotion and graduation. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2504.10.
    • Suspension Appeals
      • A student who has been suspended for fewer than eleven (11) days may appeal the suspension as follows:
        • An appeal must be made by the student’s parent or guardian, either orally or in writing, to the principal or the person designated by the Chancellor, no later than two (2) school days after receiving notice of the suspension. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.14(c).
      • A short-term suspension may be appealed to the principal. The appeal must be heard by the principal no later than one (1) day after the appeal is requested. Upon the request of the minor student’s parent or guardian, the time of the appeal may be extended up to three (3) school days. The appeal may be held by telephone. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.14.
      • A medium-term suspension may be appealed to a person designated by the Chancellor. The appeal must be heard by the Chancellor’s representative no later than one (1) day after the appeal is requested. Upon the request of the minor student’s parent or guardian, the time of the appeal may be extended up to three (3) school days. The appeal may be held by telephone. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.14.
        • No more than one (1) school day after the conference, the principal or the Chancellor’s representative must give the student, his or her parent/guardian, the Chancellor and the head of the Office of Youth Engagement a written summary of the conference proceedings, including the final decision. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.14(g).
      • A long-term suspension may be appealed directly to the head of the Office of Youth Engagement. A parent or guardian must submit a written or oral request to appeal the suspension within five (5) school days of receiving notification of the long-term suspension. The head of the Office of Youth Engagement must schedule a conference with the parent or guardian within three (3) school days of receiving the appeal request. During the conference, which may be held via telephone, the parent or guardian may present arguments in support of his or her appeal; the student may have legal counsel. The head of the Office of Youth Engagement must render a final decision no more than two (2) school days after the conference and provide the parent/guardian and a person designated by the Chancellor with a written summary of the conference proceedings and his or her final decision. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2507.7- B2507.9.

EXPULSION

  • Under what circumstances can a student be expelled?
    • A principal may recommend expulsion for the following behaviors:
      • Acts of exceptional misconduct at other schools;
      • Vandalism/destruction of property over $500;
      • Causing serious disruption or damage to a school’s computer systems;
      • Possession of fireworks or explosives;
      • Theft or attempted theft using force, coercion, intimidation or the threat of violence;
      • Selling or distributing marijuana, prescription drugs, controlled substances, intoxicants or drug paraphernalia;
      • Assault or physical attacks on students or staff;
      • Participating in a group fight which was planned, caused major disruption to the school day or resulted in substantial bodily injury;
      • Use, threatened use or transfer of any weapon;
      • Use, possession or brining a loaded or unloaded firearm;
      • Assault with a weapon;
      • Violation of the gun-free schools act;
      • Commission or attempted commission of any act of sexual assault or sexual aggression;
      • Arson;
      • Making bomb threats;
      • Deliberate acts that cause severe physical injury to others;
      • Any other intentional use of violence, force, coercion; intimidation or comparable conduct. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2502.5.
    • Expulsion may never be used in response to unexcused tardiness or absences. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2504.2.
    • Principals must consider all extenuating circumstances before recommending expulsion. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2504.3.
    • A principal or school official proposing expulsion must make a written recommendation for expulsion to the Chancellor or a person designated by the Chancellor no more than one (1) school day after the expulsion conference. The principal’s recommendation may be made based upon an initial recommendation from a teacher or other school official. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.9.
    • No more than five (5) school days after receiving the principal’s written recommendation, the Chancellor’s representative must either concur with or modify the principal’s recommended action. If the Chancellor’s representative concurs with the recommended expulsion, he or she must immediately forward a written proposal for expulsion to the head of the Office of Youth Engagement. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2505.10 and B2505.13.
  • What notice are the student and parent entitled to if the principal recommends expulsion?
    • A student who is to be expelled must be given a conference with the principal and any other school official responsible for the expulsion recommendation. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.3. The topics of the conference include:
      • The grounds for the disciplinary action, including a citation of the rule(s) upon which the action is based;
      • An explanation of the evidence or facts upon which the accusation is based;
      • An opportunity for the student to rebut the charges; 
      • The new recommended disciplinary action, in light of evidence presented by the student; 
      • An explanation of the parent or guardian’s right to examine the student’s records and any official report on the incident prior; and
      • An explanation of the student’s right to appeal or to a hearing. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.4(a)-(f).
    • No student may be expelled without written notice to the adult student, or the minor student and his or her parent or guardian. Notice must be sent to the parent, guardian or adult student no later than one (1) school day after the decision by the principal, or person designated by the Chancellor, to propose expulsion. The notice must include the following information:
      • The identity of the person who has the authority to modify or rescind the proposed expulsion;
      • A description of the infraction, including a citation of the rule(s) upon which the action is based;
      • A summary of the facts;
      • The proposed disciplinary actions;
      • The principal’s recommended education plan or alternative educational setting; and 
      • A description of the student’s right to appeal or to a hearing. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2506
  • What is the expulsion hearing process?
    • A principal or school official proposing expulsion must make a written recommendation for expulsion to the Chancellor or a person designated by the Chancellor no more than one (1) school day after the expulsion conference. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.9.
    • No more than five (5) school days after receiving the principal’s written recommendation, the Chancellor shall either concur with or modify the recommended action. If the Chancellor’s representative concurs with the recommended expulsion, he or she must immediately forward a written proposal for expulsion to the head of the Office of Youth Engagement. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2505.10 and B2505.13.
    • No more than one (1) school day after authorizing an expulsion, the person designated by the Chancellor must forward the recommendation to the hearing office for immediate scheduling and shall provide notice of the intent to schedule a hearing to the parent, guardian or adult student. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.16. 
      • Once a hearing is scheduled by the hearing office, the student must be placed on suspension, or in another appropriate placement, until the conclusion of the hearing and appeals processes. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2505.17.
      • The hearing must be held no more than four (4) school days after a written notice is provided to the parent, guardian or adult student; the hearing may be postponed for up to five (5) school days upon the request of the adult student or the minor student’s parent or guardian, where the postponement is necessary to prepare for the hearing or insure the attendance of necessary parties. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2506.2. 
      • The student has the right, but is not required, to have a representative or legal counsel and to question any witness and challenge any evidence. He or she may present testimony and documentary evidence, including calling witnesses. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2506.6. The DC Public Schools has the burden to show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the student committed the infraction(s) upon which the expulsion is based. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2506.4-B2506.7.
    • Within one (1) school day of the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing, the hearing officer must issue a written recommendation. The recommendation should include the following: 
      • A statement of the facts, based on the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing;
      • A conclusion as to whether the required due process procedures have been properly followed or waived;
      • A conclusion as to whether the student committed the infraction(s) upon which the expulsion is based. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2507.1.
    • The head of the Office of Youth Engagement shall render a final decision no later than one (1) school day after receiving the hearing officer’s recommendation. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2507.3. A copy of the written determination by the head of the Office of Youth Engagement must be given or mailed within twenty-four (24) hours to the adult student, or minor student’s parent or guardian. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2507.5.
  • What is the appeals process?

     

    • An expulsion may be appealed directly to the Chancellor. A parent or guardian must submit a written or oral request to appeal the expulsion within five (5) school days of receiving notification of the expulsion. The Chancellor or his or her representative must schedule a conference with the parent or guardian within three (3) school days of receiving the appeal request. During the conference, which may be held via telephone, the parent or guardian may present arguments in support of his or her appeal; the student may have legal counsel. The Chancellor must render a final decision no more than two (2) school days after the conference and provide the parent/guardian and the head of the Office of Youth Engagement with a written summary of the conference proceedings and his or her final decision. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2507.9.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICIES

  • What does “zero tolerance” mean?
    • The District of Columbia does not have an explicit zero tolerance policy.  That said, if a student violates the Gun-Free Schools Act, by using or possessing a firearm, the principal must recommend the expulsion of the student.  Only the Chancellor may modify this expulsion recommendation.  D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2505.10, B2599.2.  

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

  • Is corporal punishment at schools permitted?
    • Corporal punishment is the use or attempted use of physical force upon or against a student, either intentionally or with reckless disregard for the student’s safety, as a punishment or discipline.  D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § E2403.1.   Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited.  D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § E2403.2.

BULLYING

  • Is there a state policy on bullying?
    • Bullying is defined as repeated, intentional behavior that attempts to intentionally harm others through verbal and nonverbal harassment, physical assault and other more subtle methods of coercion. Bullying includes manipulation, teasing, threatening, hitting, stealing, destroying personal property and sending threatening or abusive emails, text messages or other electronic communications. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2599.2.
    • The punishment for bullying can vary, depending on the severity of the acts, from a verbal reprimand to an off-site medium-term suspension. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2502.3. If a student has a documented pattern of persistent bullying, it could lead to a long term suspension or expulsion. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ B2502.4-.5.

DRESS CODES

  • Are there dress code requirements for schools?
    • Each school must adopt its own dress code or uniform policy. The policy is determined by the principal, in consultation with the faculty, local parent group and the students. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2408.1.
  • Can school uniforms be required?
    • Schools may require students to wear a uniform. The principal is required to establish a mechanism to accommodate families and students who may require financial assistance in obtaining a uniform. Similarly, students who are non-compliant because they require financial assistance in obtaining a uniform cannot be subject to disciplinary action. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2408.
    • The dress code and/or uniform policy cannot preclude students who participate in a nationally recognized youth organizations or military academy/JROTC programs from wearing organization uniforms on regular meeting days. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2408.11. The uniform policy must accommodate students’ religious expression. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2408.10. The policy may not prevent a student from wearing a button, armband or other item unless the item is gang, drug, alcohol, or violence related. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § B2408.12.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)

  • Who is considered an ELL?
    • An English learner, known as a Non-English Proficient (NEP) or Limited English Proficient (LEP) student, is a student who does not speak English or whose native language is not English and whose current grasp of the language does not allow the student to participate in the general program of the school.  D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § E3199.1.
  • What instructional programs are available for ELLs?
    • The District offers four programs for ELLs:
      • Content-Based English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs: The academic content areas of English/language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics are used as the vehicle for language learning and to ensure that students master academic content and performance standards. Instruction is primarily in English, although native language support is provided when necessary and when possible. These classes are taught by ESL-certified teachers.
      • Dual Language Education Programs: Students in this instructional program develop literacy skills in their native language while simultaneously learning a second language. Students must master standards in both languages. Instruction occurs in both of the languages supported by the program.
      • Secondary Newcomer Literacy Program: This program supports those immigrant students who come to DCPS with a limited formal education background and prepares them to become successful both in school and in the post-secondary world. Classes provide students with core academic and literacy skills and knowledge that address gaps in their prior education. This is a full-day intensive program that focuses on literacy development, language acquisition, and mastery of academic content. In addition, the program offers orientation on adapting to the life, culture, and educational system in the United States, as well as tutoring, parent workshops, and links to community resources.
      • Sheltered Content: The goal of Sheltered Content programs is for ELL students to develop English proficiency, content knowledge, and academic language skills such that they can enjoy success in mainstream classes with no ELL services. Sheltered classes are taught by either a dually certified teacher who holds licenses both in ESL and in the content being taught, or a content-certified teacher who has completed a minimum of 90 hours of professional development in ESL instruction.
    • Helpful documents or links

    1. English Language Learners (ELL): Programs and Support – http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/In+the+Classroom/How+Students+Are+Supported/English+Language+Learners+%28ELL%29

  • What is the assessment test used for ELL? What are the procedures for the test?
    • Every parent enrolling a child in a D.C. public school must complete a home language survey. If the survey indicates that the child might qualify for ELL services, the district then assesses the child’s English proficiency in four areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) through an English language screener proficiency test. 
      • D.C. public schools use the Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State (ACCESS for ELLs) test. The test places students in English proficiency levels from 1 to 5. Students who score a Level 1 to Level 4.9 on the screener test are eligible for ELL services; students who score a level 5 or above are not eligible for services.
    • The school will provide a welcome letter to families indicating additional steps to follow. Parents and guardians of children who qualify for ELL services have the legal right to be informed, in a language they can understand, about the available programs and services. They can then choose the program they believe best fits their child’s needs.

ABILITY GROUPING FOR LEARNING PURPOSES

  • Does the state have any state policy on ability grouping?
    • The District of Columbia does not have any requirements that schools should track or group their students according to ability, beyond those students with special needs.
    • If a parent or school professional notices that a student is struggling, they can request that he or she be evaluated for a learning disability. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § E30052. 
      • If the student does have a disability, within thirty days of the determination, schools staff, learning professionals and the student’s parents will develop an individualized education program (IEP) for the student. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § E3007. 
      • Students are monitored and revaluated at least once every three years to determine if her or she still has a disability and continues to need special education and related services. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § E3005.7.
  • Common Core Standards
    • The District of Columbia adopted the Common Core State Standards in July 2010, but the standards will not be fully implemented for a few years.  The timeline for the implementation can be found here: http://osse.dc.gov/seo/frames.asp?doc=/seo/lib/seo/common_core/next_steps_common_core_implementation_plan.pdf 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  • The District has two requirements to receive a high school diploma:

    1. Students must obtain twenty-four (24) units in order to graduate. The requirements for each subjects are as follows:

    • English (4 units) 
    • Math (4 units) 
      • Must include Algebra I (must be taken during 9th grade), Geometry and Algebra II
    • Science (4 units)
      •  Must include three lab sciences, one of which must be Biology 
    • Social Studies (4 units)
      • Must include World History I and II, US History, US Government and DC History 
    • World Language (2 units)
    • Art (.5 units)
    • Music (.5 units) 
    • Career/Technology Education (2 units) 
    • Physical Education (1.5 units)
    • Electives (1.5 units)

    D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, §§ E2202.1- E2203.2.

    2. Enrollment and regular attendance in the DC Public Schools for a minimum of eight consecutive months prior to graduation. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § E2202.1(b).

    Students with special needs who do not achieve a diploma are eligible for a Certificate of Individual Educational Program (IEP) completion. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, § E2203.6.

STATE PARENT INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTERS

  • General
    • The District has several Parent and Family Resource Centers, which provide learning opportunities to parents in the form of workshops, support groups, training sessions and documents.

    Contact Information

    • Ward 1 Parent and Family Resource Center (PFRC 1)
      Located in Tubman Elementary School
      3101 13th Street, NW (entrance through parking lot on Kenyon Street)
      Phone: (202) 673-2028
    • Ward 7 Parent and Family Resource Center (PFRC 7)
      Located in Shadd Elementary School
      5601 E. Capitol Street, SE
      Phone: (202) 645-4374
    • Ward 8 Parent and Family Resource Center (PFRC 8)
      Located in M.C. Terrell Elementary School
      3301 Wheeler Road, SE (Located on 2nd Floor)
      Phone: (202) 645-6619
    • Parent and Family Resource Center Central Office Staff
      1200 First Street, NE, 12th Floor
      Washington, DC 20002
      Phone: (202) 442-5036
  • DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

    Contact information

    • District of Columbia Public Schools
      1200 First Street, NE
      Washington, DC 20002
      Telephone: (202) 442-5885
      Fax: (202) 442-5026|
      Website: http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS
    • Office of Youth Engagement
      Director/Manager: Chad Ferguson
      1200 First St., NE, Washington, DC 20002
      Suite/Room: 8th floor
      Contact Phone: (202) 442-5099
      Contact Fax: (202) 442-5523 
  • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

    Contact information for the Washington, DC office

    • Washington DC (Metro)
      Office for Civil Rights
      U.S. Department of Education
      400 Maryland Avenue, SW
      Washington, D.C. 20202-1475
      Telephone: 202-453-6020
      FAX: 202-453-6021
      TDD: 877-521-2172
      Email: OCR.DC@ed.gov