Alabama has passed the “Teacher Bill of Rights,” granting teachers new authority to manage classroom discipline, though its implementation timeline remains uncertain. The law empowers teachers to contest premature return of disruptive students from the principal’s office and requires principals to certify in writing before readmitting them. Each school district must update its discipline policies, with a state model policy slated for adoption on August 8. The law prioritizes students’ Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and mandates parental involvement in disciplinary processes. It also allows teachers to appeal to local boards of education regarding disciplinary decisions.
