2019 Tennessee Code
Title 49 - Education
Chapter 6 - Elementary and Secondary Education
Part 41 - School Discipline Act
§ 49-6-4109. Trauma-informed discipline policy.
(a) As a strategy to address adverse childhood experiences, as defined in § 49-1-230, each LEA and public charter school shall adopt a trauma-informed discipline policy. Each trauma-informed discipline policy must:
(1) Balance accountability with an understanding of traumatic behavior;
(2) Teach school and classroom rules while reinforcing that violent or abusive behavior is not allowed at school;
(3) Minimize disruptions to education with an emphasis on positive behavioral supports and behavioral intervention plans;
(4) Create consistent rules and consequences; and
(5) Model respectful, nonviolent relationships.
(b) The department of education shall develop guidance on trauma-informed discipline practices that LEAs must use to develop the policy required under subsection (a).
