Please note: The 2025–2026 Student Code of Conduct is currently under review and subject to updates. Finalized version will be posted soon.
Student Code of Conduct
- General Information
- Responsibilities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Levels of Student Misbehaviors and Corrective Actions
- Assignments and Appeal Processes for DAEP Placements and Expulsions
- Student Dress Code
- Technology Regulation
- Volunteer Guidelines
- Assistance for Students with Learning Differences
- Extracurricular Activities
- Arlington ISD Departmental Supports
- Drug and Alcohol Counseling Options
- Attendance
- Threat Assessments
- School Safety Transfers
- Notices
- Definitions
In School Suspension
An in-school suspension is not subject to any time limit.
A school’s principal or other appropriate administrator shall review the in-school suspension of a student at least once every 10 school days after the date of the suspension begins to evaluate the educational progress of the student and to determine if continued in-school suspension is appropriate.
During in-school suspension, a student shall receive appropriate behavioral support services and comparable educational services as the student would receive in the classroom. If the student receives special education services, the student must continue to receive special education and related services specified in the student’s individualized education program (IEP) and continue to have an opportunity to progress in the general curriculum.
See First-Time Offense of Possession or Use of Nicotine Delivery Product or E-Cigarette for limitations to the general rule.
Process
Before being suspended, a student shall have an informal conference with the CBC or appropriate administrator, who shall inform the student of the alleged misconduct and give the student an opportunity to respond to the allegation before the administrator makes a decision.
The CBC shall determine the number of days of a student’s suspension.
In deciding whether to order in-school suspension, the CBC shall take into consideration:
- Self-defense [see Definitions];
- Intent or lack of intent at the time the student engaged in the conduct;
- The student’s disciplinary history;
- A disability that substantially impairs the student’s capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the student’s conduct;
- A student’s status in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care); or
- A student’s status as homeless.
The appropriate administrator shall determine any restrictions on participation in school-sponsored or school-related extracurricular and cocurricular activities.
Out-of-School Suspension
Students may be suspended for behavior listed in the Code of Conduct as a general conduct violation, DAEP offense, or expellable offense.
The district shall not use out-of-school suspension for students in grade 2 or below grade 3 unless the conduct meets the requirements established in law.
A student below grade 3 or a student who is homeless shall not be placed in out-of-school suspension unless, while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property, the student engages in:
- Conduct that contains the elements of a weapons offense, as provided in Penal Code sections 46.02 or 46.05;
- Conduct that threatens the immediate health and safety of other students in the classroom.
- Documented conduct that results in repeated or significant disruption to the classroom; or
- Selling, giving, or delivering to another person or possessing, using, or being under the influence of any amount of marijuana, an alcoholic beverage, or a controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by federal or state law.
The district shall use a positive behavior program as a disciplinary alternative for students below grade 3 who commit general conduct violations instead of suspension or placement in a DAEP. The program shall meet the requirements of law.
State law allows a student to be assigned to out-of-school suspension for no more than three school days per behavior violation, with no limit on the number of times a student may be suspended in a semester or school year.
Before being suspended a student shall have an informal conference with the CBC or appropriate administrator, who shall inform the student of the alleged misconduct and give the student an opportunity to respond to the allegation before the administrator makes a decision.
The CBC shall determine the number of days of a student’s suspension, not to exceed three school days.
CHOICES Program
A short-term, supervised, academically non-punitive disciplinary alternative education program where a student is given classroom assignments to the extent that is possible (elementary, junior high and high school students). Transportation is not provided
Alternative Assignment
A parent or person standing in parental relation to the student may submit a written request to the principal or other appropriate administrator to reassign a student placed in out-of-school suspension. The parent or person standing in parental relation to the student must provide information and documentation that they are unable to provide suitable supervision for the student during school hours during the period of the suspension. It is the sole discretion of the principal or other appropriate administrator to reassign the student placed in out-of-school