Rethink Discipline Toolkit
Creating a Safe, Responsive School Climate
The Student Advocacy Center has played an integral role in the development of the Rethink Discipline laws that went into effect in August 2017. These laws help to pave the way for how schools should handle discipline. This is an ongoing effort, and you are not in it alone. We have gathered several resources to assist your school and community as you engage in rethinking discipline and finding ways to keep students in school. This toolkit includes a summary of key changes in the law, recommendations on how to revise your school code, intervention checklists, the 7 factor worksheet and more.
Understanding the Rethink Discipline Laws
Public Acts: 360-366 of 2016
Effective: August 1, 2017
Michigan had one of the harshest discipline codes in the country, mandating expulsion for a large variety of reasons. The intent was to keep students safe, but evidence showed that far too many students were being removed, and that districts often felt their hands were tied and were forced to expel. In the end, students (particularly students of color and students with disabilities) were put at greater risk of school dropout and criminal justice involvement and not given the adult support needed to truly learn from their mistakes, make amends and make educational progress. Around the country, laws have changed to reduce suspensions and expulsions, and at the end of 2016, Michigan’s Legislature passed the Rethink Discipline bills.
Read our summary of the Rethink Discipline laws.
MCL 380.1310d addresses 7 factors and rebuttable presumption
MCL 380.1310c addresses restorative practice
Timeline

Making a Paradigm Shift
Reducing suspensions and improving school climate (and achievement) requires a new way of thinking. It requires ongoing conversations and encouragement from courageous leaders who take a “whole child” approach.
Student Advocacy Center has been doing this work for a long time. We have gathered resources here to help you begin to make that shift.
- First, for consultation on specific cases, reach out to our helpline, (734) 482-0489.
- We also have experience working one-on-one with students, parents and schools. Our training helps to think about the “why” and digs into a whole host of practices (administrative, prevention, intervention, alternatives to suspension) and practical tools. Reach out for a customized training from the Student Advocacy Center at contact@studentadvocacycenter.org.
