An act to amend Section 48900 of the Education Code, relating to pupil discipline.
Summary
AB 420 limits the use of “willful defiance” as a grounds for suspension for younger students, eliminates it as a grounds for expulsion, and, in line with existing law, require the use of other means of correction to discipline a child, at least two times prior to suspending him or her.
Status
Referred to the Standing Committee on Education
Our Position: Support
AB 420 will help decrease suspensions and expulsions and increase positive outcomes for students and schools. When a student is considered disruptive or defiant, this bill will help ensure that the student continues to receive appropriate types of interventions and supports without the loss of academic time or the most extreme consequence, expulsion from the entire school district.