Parent Discussion: Informal Removal

Informal removals are being seen at an increased rate for students with disabilities. This can happen through frequent parent pickups, shortened school days or hours spent in “time-out” rooms.

Federal law protects students from being repeatedly disciplined or removed from school for behavior related to their disability. If a child is informally removed for more than 10 days in a year, families can meet with the school to determine whether the behavior is due to the child’s disability. In this case, the school should offer adjustments rather than suspension.

However, Informal removal is not recorded as a suspension or formal discipline, allowing schools to overlook underlying causes and needs of behaviors and impede student’s access to supports and valuable time in their classroom.

In July 2022, the US Department of Education made clear that children who are informally removed have the same rights as those who had been officially suspended.

Join us on Monday, May 15th for a parent discussion to share your story and learn more about informal removal.

After you register you will receive an emailed invitation to join a zoom chat.