TDOE Hosts 350+ Educators and Stakeholders to Discuss School Discipline and Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 9, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Victoria Robinson
EMAIL: EDU.MediaInquiries@tn.gov

TDOE Hosts 350+ Educators and Stakeholders to Discuss
School Discipline and Safety

Murfreesboro, TN— On March 3rd and 4th, the Tennessee Department of Education led a critical conversation about due process and school safety at its 22nd Student Discipline Institute. Hundreds of experts, stakeholders and administrators gathered to discuss student discipline and keeping kids safe. Topics ranged from online bullying to mental health.

Over 350 people attended the Student Discipline Institute last week despite the devastation caused by tornadoes across Middle Tennessee. Dr. Penny Schwinn, Tennessee Education Commissioner, opened the conference by addressing the damage in the area. “It’s one of those days where taking care of the whole child goes well beyond the walls of the classroom,” said Schwinn.

“Thank you to all our school safety administrators and stakeholders for the critical work you do to protect our children not because it’s easy, but because it’s important,” said Commissioner Schwinn. “It’s hard. It’s really important, hard work you all do.”

The decades old institute has been keeping school officials up to date on the latest trends in discipline. Over the years concerns about due process have given way to the first amendment but student safety is always paramount.

“Today we’re talking less about expelling and talking more about supporting,” said Christy Ballard. “It benefits everyone if we address the whole child before a discipline problem escalates.”

The institute walked participants through the myriad of threats schools face, from drugs and cyber bullying to tornadoes and coronavirus— then walked them through practical strategies for preventing or disciplining those involved. 

Creating a safe school and preserving students’ rights is always a challenge according to David L. Hudson, Jr., an Assistant Professor of Law at Belmont University.

“I came away impressed by the attendance and programming and appreciated the opportunity to present on one of the most challenging issues facing school administrators today,” said Hudson. “How far does the arm of school authority extend when it comes to students' off-campus social media expression.”  

Over two days, the Student Discipline Institute tackled crucial challenges facing Tennessee schools.

For any media questions, please contact: EDU.MediaInquiries@tn.gov. See photos here.

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