The high school years are crucial for setting the stage for a child's future success, and disciplinary issues can derail even the brightest students. Even a small mistake can have significant repercussions for students in Texas, especially if it results in placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP). While these programs are designed to handle behavioral challenges, they often unintentionally interrupt a student's educational progress and jeopardize their future goals. For parents, this situation can feel like being caught in the middle, grappling with a complicated and often intimidating system that seems anything but fair.
At the Lento Law Firm, we provide legal guidance and representation for families navigating the complex, often intimidating disciplinary processes in the Round Rock Independent School District. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our team. If your child attends a school within the Round Rock Independent School District, the Lento Law Firm Student Discipline Defense office located in Austin is here to help.
With a deep understanding of the district's policies, our firm is uniquely positioned to help families in Round Rock, Texas, as well as protect their children's rights and educational opportunities.
What Are DAEPs?
DAEPs, or Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs, are specialized educational settings in Texas designed to serve students who are removed from their regular classroom environment due to violations of the Round Rock ISD student code of conduct or disciplinary violations. These programs are part of the public school system and are regulated by the Texas Education Code (TEC), particularly Chapter 37.
Understanding Disciplinary Placement in Round Rock ISD
Round Rock ISD, one of Texas's most respected districts, serves more than 46,000 students across 60 schools, including notable campuses such as Round Rock High School, McNeil High School, Cedar Ridge High School, Stony Point High School, and Westwood High School. While the district's Code of Conduct aims to create a safe and productive learning environment, students facing disciplinary issues risk placement in Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEPs) or expulsion from their traditional schools.
The district's policies, outlined in its Student Code of Conduct, emphasize progressive discipline but also include mandatory DAEP placements for certain infractions. These can range from relatively minor issues like repeated classroom disruptions to serious violations such as possession of prohibited substances or fighting. Unfortunately, such placements can significantly impact a student's academic progress, emotional well-being, and future opportunities.
Key Features of DAEPs
A DAEP's main purpose is to provide continued education in a structured environment while addressing behavioral issues that led to a student's removal. They are intended to ensure students stay on track academically while also receiving support to improve their behavior.
DAEPs are administered under the guidelines outlined in the Round Rock Student Code of Conduct, as required by Chapter 37. This code of conduct outlines strategies and alternatives for addressing student behavior, preventing disciplinary issues, intervening when problems arise, and implementing disciplinary measures.
Placement Criteria:
Students may be placed in a DAEP for violations of the school district's code of conduct, including actions like fighting, drug possession, or bringing prohibited items to school.
In some cases, placement in a DAEP is mandatory, such as when a student engages or commits one of the following conducts:
- Engages in conduct relating to a false alarm or false report
- Engages in conduct that can be categorized as a felony
- Commits assault
- Sells, gives, possesses, uses, or is under the influence of a controlled substance or dangerous drug without reaching a felony offense level; Sells, gives or delivers to another person an alcoholic beverage or e-cigarette
- Engages in harassment
- Commits federal firearms violations and others
- On the other hand, placement is discretionary in instances of behaviors prohibited in the General Conduct Violations section of the Code of Conduct, such as
- Disregard for authority (failure to comply with directives by school personnel, leaving school grounds without permission, refusal to accept discipline by a teacher or principal)
- Mistreatment of others (use of profanities, threatening others, engagement in bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, participating in hazing, among other conducts)
- Property offenses (damage or defacing school property, vandalizing property, theft, robbery, and others)
- Possession of prohibited items (fireworks, razors, box cutters, chains, and other objects considered weapons, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, matches, or lighters)
- Possession of telecommunications or other electronic devices in violation of district and campus rules
- Illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs and
- Misuse of technology resources and the internet (in violation of rules and policies, attempt to access or circumvent passwords or other security-related info)
Given the wide range of behaviors that can result in either mandatory or discretionary placement in a DAEP, securing proper legal representation and advice is crucial if your child is facing such a situation in the Round Rock Independent School District. From minor infractions to serious allegations, the stakes are high, and navigating the disciplinary process can be overwhelming for families. Having an advocate who understands the district's policies and procedures ensures your child's rights are protected and increases the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome. At The Lento Law Firm, we are here to guide you through every step of the process, offering the support you need during this challenging time.
Process
When a school considers placing a student in a DAEP, several steps and procedures are followed to ensure compliance with district policies and state laws. The process typically begins with an incident report, where the alleged behavior is documented by school staff. This report outlines the specific conduct that violates the school's Code of Conduct and provides evidence to support the allegations.
Next, the school administration conducts an investigation to gather additional information, including witness statements, video footage (if available), and other relevant evidence. Once the investigation is complete, the school will determine whether the behavior warrants disciplinary action and, if so, whether it qualifies for mandatory or discretionary DAEP placement.
If DAEP placement is being considered, the school must provide written notice to the student and their parents or guardians detailing the reasons for the proposed placement and the evidence supporting it. The notice will also include information about the disciplinary hearing process.
You and your child have the right to a disciplinary hearing before a decision is made. During the hearing, the school presents its case, and the student is given an opportunity to respond, present evidence, and call witnesses. The hearing officer or school administrator presides over the hearing and makes a determination based on the evidence presented.
If the decision is made to place the student in a DAEP, the school will provide a written explanation of the decision, including the duration of the placement and the specific terms. You and your family have the right to appeal this decision, first to the district level and potentially further, depending on the circumstances.
Throughout this process, it is critical for families to understand their rights and the procedural safeguards in place. Having legal representation ensures that the student's rights are upheld and that any procedural errors are identified and addressed.
Appeals
The appeals process allows you and your family to challenge the placement decision, particularly if you believe procedural errors occurred, evidence was insufficient, or the punishment was disproportionate. It is critical for families to understand this process and to act promptly, as appeals often have strict deadlines.
Throughout this process, it is critical for everyone involved to understand their rights and the procedural safeguards in place. Having legal representation ensures that the student's rights are upheld and that any procedural errors are identified and addressed. With the proper guidance, families can navigate the appeals process effectively and work towards a favorable resolution for their child.
Why Seek Legal Representation?
When a student faces disciplinary action, families often feel overwhelmed and unprepared to navigate the complex process. The stakes are high: placement in a DAEP often isolates students, limits extracurricular participation, and can tarnish academic records. Worse, it may lead to a downward spiral affecting college admissions and career opportunities.
That's where we come in. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will work tirelessly to:
- Challenge DAEP Placements: We scrutinize the district's evidence and ensure your child's rights are upheld during hearings and appeals.
- Advocate for Fair Treatment: We ensure your child receives due process and that disciplinary measures align with district policies.
- Provide Guidance: We help families understand their options and chart a path forward that prioritizes their child's education and well-being.
Additionally, our firm focuses on Round Rock ISD and its unique policies. With offices all over the US and with several locations in Texas, including an office in Austin, the Lento Law Firm Student Discipline Defense Team is here to provide help for students in all grades.
We bring hands-on experience with the district's disciplinary system, ensuring you have an advocate who understands the nuances of local procedures. We're not just lawyers—we're your neighbors, committed to helping families in Round Rock protect their children's futures.
How We Can Help
The Lento Law Firm can provide help and assistance to you and your family at every step of the DAEP placement process. Even before it happens, if you think your child might be under consideration for DAEP placement due to any behavior, violation, or disciplinary action, it's important to take action. An early intervention can prevent escalation and ensure proper procedure is followed, providing the opportunity to address any underlying issues even before they lead to DAEP placement.
Representation During Hearings
Disciplinary hearings serve as one of the first opportunities to contest a DAEP placement decision. Having the right representation at this critical stage is essential. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can assist by:
- Thoroughly reviewing all evidence provided by the school prior to the conference.
- Highlighting any procedural mistakes or weaknesses in the district's case.
- Advocating for your child by presenting mitigating circumstances and proposing alternative solutions.
Furthermore, if your child is eventually placed in a DAPE, we can also assist you through the appeal by preparing a comprehensive appeal argument, taking any procedural or substantive error into consideration, as well as making sure the Round Rock Independent School District adhered to every applicable policy, regulation, and state law.
Negative Aspects of DAEP And Why You Should Fight DAEP Placement
DAEP placement can have significant consequences for students:
Academic Impact
Placement in a DAEP can significantly disrupt a student's academic progress. Students often face restricted access to extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and other enriching programs that contribute to a well-rounded education. Additionally, they may lose opportunities to participate in advanced or specialized courses, limiting their ability to excel academically. Prolonged gaps in instruction and less individualized support can further result in decreased academic performance and struggles to keep pace with peers in traditional classroom settings.
Social and Emotional Consequences
The social and emotional toll of a DAEP placement can be profound. Students may experience stigmatization, as their removal from the regular school environment often sets them apart from their peers. This isolation can lead to feelings of alienation and reduced self-esteem, making it harder to reintegrate into their home campus. Furthermore, the lack of regular social interactions with friends and classmates can increase the risk of disengagement from school altogether, potentially leading to chronic absenteeism or even dropping out.
Long-Term Effects
The implications of a DAEP placement can extend well beyond the immediate school years. Such placements may become part of a student's permanent school record, which could raise red flags during college admissions or when seeking scholarships. The stigma associated with disciplinary actions might also affect other future opportunities, including career prospects, as some records may be disclosed under certain circumstances. These long-term consequences underscore the importance of addressing and resolving disciplinary issues to safeguard a student's future.
Why Choose the Lento Law Firm
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team in Austin can provide help by focusing on the specific policies outlined in the Round Rock ISD Code of Conduct, in addition to campus-specific policies, as each school within the Round Rock Independent School District may have additional guidelines. Our in-depth knowledge of these policies and guidelines allows us to tailor a current, effective, and up-to-date strategy to the advantage of your child's DAEP case.
Take action and contact us today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our team. Don't wait; together, we can ensure your child's rights are protected and their education stays on track.
