Keeping students after the bell has become a common and necessary practice for most schools. Instead of letting students leave at the regular time, many schools and businesses now have student lockers or “after-hours” spaces so that students can keep their textbooks, supplies, and other school materials with them until the end of the day. Unfortunately, keeping students after the bell is not always as simple as it sounds. Some states and school districts have specific policies in place that regulate when schools may let students leave after-hours. If you are a principal, vice principal, or other staff member who has to make this call on a daily basis, here is what you need to know about keeping students after the bell.
Is It Illegal To Keep Students After The Bell?
It is not illegal to keep students after the bell in most states, as long as you follow the applicable state law. In order to determine whether keeping students after the bell is an emergency, you will need to look at your state law and consider the specific facts and circumstances of your situation. It is important to keep in mind that keeping students after the bell can have a negative impact on their academic progress and future educational opportunities. If you have any questions about your state’s laws regarding student dismissal, please contact your local education authority or attorney.
What Does The Law Say About Keeping Students After The Bell?
In every state, there is a general law that states when schools may allow students to be in the building after the bell rings. In most cases, schools are not allowed to keep students after the bell if it’s a school day or if it’s their regular school day for that specific school. However, the general rule does not apply to all schools. Some states have laws that allow schools to keep students after the bell during special circumstances such as:
- School-sponsored activities such as sports games and art shows
- Classroom activities such as teacher conferences and parent-teacher conferences
- Students who need to complete an assignment or take a test before leaving at the end of the day (this includes lunch periods)
What Types Of Policies Do Some States Have In Place?
There are several different types of policies that some states have in place for keeping students after the bell. Some states only have one policy in place while others have several. Some states have policies that are specific to each school while others have a universal policy that all schools must follow. Here are some examples of the different types of policies:
No-school-day policy: This is a very common type of policy for keeping students after the bell in all schools. This is when the school must allow students to leave at the end of the day if it’s not their regular school day for that specific school.
No-after-school-policy: This is when students cannot be kept after the bell on any day other than a state or school district holiday, unless there is an exceptional circumstance such as a teacher conference or parent-teacher conference.
After-hours policy: There are times when schools may keep students after the bell even if it’s not their regular school day for that specific school. These can include teacher conferences and parent-teacher conferences as well as sports games or other school-sponsored activities.
How do some states handle the issue of students being kept after the bell?
There are a few different ways that some states handle the issue of keeping students after the bell. Some states only have one policy in place for this and some have several policies in place.
But What About Federal Law?
There are a few federal laws that are in place that govern how schools handle the issue of students being kept after the bell. This includes:
The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):
This federal law requires school districts to provide students with special education and related services they need to help them reach their educational goals. It also states that students must be allowed to leave at the end of the day if it’s not their regular school day for that specific school. The law also provides for student transportation and other services such as counseling or psychological services.
What does IDEA say about leaving after the bell?
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- The IDEA states: “Students with disabilities who are attending a public school must be permitted to remain in school after regular school hours, unless State or local authorities determine that it is not feasible, because of safety concerns, or otherwise appropriate, to do so” (IDEA).
- There can be many reasons why a school may decide it is not appropriate to keep students after the bell. These could include safety concerns such as where there is an active shooter on campus or a bomb threat has been called into the building. There could also be other reasons why keeping students after the bell is not appropriate such as an extreme weather event.
What does IDEA say about transportation?
The IDEA states: “Public agencies must ensure that a child with a disability who is attending school outside of regular school hours and who needs transportation services is provided the same rights and privileges to attend school as children without disabilities” (IDEA).
What does IDEA say about counseling services?
The IDEA states: “Schools must provide counseling when necessary for students with disabilities to help them adjust to their new environment, to participate in educational activities, or to meet their needs for socialization and recreation” (IDEA).
How can I find out more information about federal law?
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is responsible for administering and enforcing the IDEA. For more information, see:
- http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/programs-and-policy/special-education-law-enforcement.html
Should Schools Keep Their Doors Locked At All Times?
No. Lockable doors are not necessary if:
1. The school has a functional alarm system; and
2. Doors are monitored to ensure that they remain unlocked while students are present.
Should schools have an emergency plan?
Yes. An emergency plan should be developed prior to the start of the school year and should be reviewed at least annually by all school staff members, including teachers, administrators, and others who work with students with disabilities. The plan should include procedures for who will respond in an emergency situation, what to do when help arrives, how long to wait before calling for outside assistance and how to notify parents or guardians (U.S. Department of Education).
Is there a right way to keep students with disabilities in the classroom?
No. There is no right or wrong way to keep students with disabilities in the classroom. All methods used are acceptable if they accomplish the goal of keeping all students in the same classroom.
If a student is disruptive in class, what should I do?
First ask the student why she is being disruptive. If she can tell you, then ask her if she would like to work on an individualized education program (IEP) or a 504 plan that will allow her to return to her usual classroom setting and reduce the disruption. If she does not want to make any changes, then you may have no choice but to remove her from your class (U.S. Department of Education).
If a student with a disability needs special assistance during class time, what should I do?
Ask for help from another teacher who has more time available for assistance or contact your school principal
What is a functional alarm system?
A functional alarm system is a security system that can be activated by a teacher or other staff member without giving away his or her presence in the classroom (U.S. Department of Education).
Conclusion
After-hours activities can be a great way to keep students engaged and busy after school. They can also help students make friends, build skills, and stay out of trouble if they are being kept in a supervised setting. Before deciding to keep students after the bell, it is important to check with your district or state education department to ensure that you are following state and federal laws. It is also important to consider the safety of your students and the building’s assets, including computers, expensive equipment, and other valuable resources. It is also important to remember that after-hours activities should be kept to a reasonable length, and that students should not be kept after the bell past their bedtimes.
FAQs
What if a student stays after the bell?
The student should not be left alone after the bell. The student’s parent or guardian should be notified if the student is to be left alone.
What if a student stays after the bell?
The student should not be left alone after the bell. The student’s parent or guardian should be notified if the student is to be left alone.
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