Washington School Climate Policy

There is currently no policy surrounding School Climate in Washington. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Revised Code of Washington 28A.600.477 Prohibition of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

Defines the terms cyber-bullying, harassment, bullying, and intimidation and behaviors that are associated with these actions.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-600/section-28a-600-477/

 Washington asks schools to develop and implement procedures to prevent bullying and harassment behavior and the consequences of such behavior. Policies also explain that procedures are needed for reporting an incidence of bullying and investigating it.

• Revised Code of Washington 28A.600.477 Prohibition of harassment, intimidation, and bullying

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-600/section-28a-600-477/

• Revised Code of Washington 28A.600.480 Reporting of harassment, intimidation, or bullying — Retaliation prohibited — Immunity.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-600/section-28a-600-480/

• Washington Administrative Code 392-190-059 Harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention policy and procedure—School districts

https://regulations.justia.com/states/washington/title-392/chapter-392-190/392-190-059/

• Washington Administrative Code 392-400-226 – School district rules defining harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention policies and procedures – Distribution of rules

https://regulations.justia.com/states/washington/title-392/chapter-392-400/discipline-policies-and-procedures/392-400-226/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.2851 School bullying and harassment—Work for a group.

The office of the superintendent of public instruction, and the office of the education ombudsmen shall convene a work group on school bullying and harassment prevention to develop, recommend, and implement strategies to improve school climate and create respectful learning environments in all public schools in Washington.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-2851/

Washington anti-bullying laws cover incidents that occur on school property, and school-sponsored events/activities, but not the off-school property.

• Washington State Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying – Procedure No. 3207P

https://www.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/public/safetycenter/guidance/pubdocs/anti-bullyingprocedurefinal.pdf

Who does this protect? Students, Teachers

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.630 School safety center.

The center, working in conjunction with the regional school safety centers, forms a statewide network for school safety and its responsibilities include; 

• Dissemination of information regarding school safety incidents.
• Development and implementation of comprehensive school safety plans.
• Developing model school safety policies and procedures and identifying best practices in school safety.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-630/

Washington schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies.

• Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.125 Safe school plans—Requirements—Duties of school districts, schools, and educational service districts—Reports—Drills—Rules- First responder agencies.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-125/

• Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.126 Emergency response system.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-126/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.124 School resource officer programs.

If a school district chooses to have a school resource officer program, the school district must confirm that every school resource officer has received training on a topic like a child and adolescent development, trauma-informed approaches to working with youth, recognizing and responding to mental health issues, etc. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-124/

A person who is not a commissioned law enforcement officer, and who provides school security services under the direction of a school administrator, may not possess a weapon unless he or she has completed training to use weapons. School employees or students are not allowed to possess weapons on school grounds.

• Revised Code of Washington 9.41.280 Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities—Penalty—Exceptions.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-9/chapter-9-41/section-9-41-280/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Revised Code of Washington 28A.310.500 Youth suicide screening and referral—Response to emotional or behavioral distress in students—Training for educators and staff—Suicide prevention training.

A comprehensive school suicide prevention model must consist of;

• Improved identification such as screening, and response systems such as family counseling, to support students who are at risk.
• Developing, within the school, the capacity to train staff, teachers, parents, and students on how to recognize and support a student who may be struggling with behavioral health issues.
• School selection of appropriate curricula and programs to enhance student awareness of behavioral health issues to reduce stigma, and promote resilience and coping skills.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-310/section-28a-310-500/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.127 Plan for recognition screening and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students including possible sexual abuse.

At a minimum the plan must include; 

• How staff should respond to suspicions, concerns, or warning signs of emotional or behavioral distress in students
• Protocols and procedures for communication with parents and guardians
• How the district will provide support to students and staff after an incident of violence, youth suicide, or allegations of sexual abuse

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-127/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.1271 Model school district plan for recognition initial screening and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students.

The purpose of a model is for recognition, initial screening, and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students. The model plan, developed by the superintendent of public instruction’s school safety center, must incorporate research-based best practices, including practices and protocols used in schools and school districts in other states.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-1271/

 Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.477 Social-emotional learning committee.

Created to promote and expand social-emotional learning by, for example, developing and implementing a statewide framework for social-emotional learning that is trauma-informed, culturally sustaining, and developmentally appropriate.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-477/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.130 Center for the improvement of student learning—Educational improvement and research—Clearinghouse for information regarding educational improvement and parental involvement programs—Website development and maintenance—Reports to the legislature.

To facilitate access to information and materials on educational improvement and research, the superintendent of public instruction shall establish a center for the improvement of student learning. The center shall work in conjunction with parents, educational service districts, institutions of higher education, and education, parent, community, and business organizations.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-130/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.139 Washington integrated student supports the protocol.

This protocol shall be developed by the center for the improvement of student learning and must be sufficiently flexible to adapt to the unique needs of schools and districts across the state, yet sufficiently structured to provide all students with the individual support they need for academic success.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-139/

 Revised Code of Washington 28A.165.005 Purpose—Focus on reading literacy.

School districts implementing a learning assistance program shall focus first on addressing the needs of students in grades kindergarten through four who are deficient in reading or reading readiness skills to improve reading literacy.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-165/section-28a-165-005/

 Washington provides students with disabilities the accommodations and resources they need to have an appropriate education.

• Revised Code of Washington Chapter 28A.155 – Special Education.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-155/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.180.030 Definitions.

Explains what the Transitional Bilingual Instruction program is: A system of instruction that uses two languages, one of which is English, as a means of instruction to build upon and expand language skills to enable the pupil to achieve competency in English. Concepts and information are introduced in the primary language and reinforced in the second language.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-180/

Who does this protect? Students, students with disabilities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.193 Community service—Policy—Incentive.

Each school district shall adopt a policy that is supportive of community service and provides an incentive, such as recognition or credit, for students who participate in community service.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-193/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Revised Code of Washington 28A.642.080 Transgender student policy and procedure.

The elements of the model transgender student policy and procedure must, at a minimum: incorporate the office of the superintendent of public instruction’s rules and guidelines developed under RCW 28A.642.020 to eliminate discrimination in Washington public schools based on gender identity and expression; address the unique challenges and needs faced by transgender students in public schools; and describe the application of the model policy and procedure prohibiting harassment, intimidation, and bullying to transgender students.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-642/section-28a-642-080/

• Revised Code of Washington 28A.642.020 Rules and guidelines.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-642/section-28a-642-020/

 Revised Code of Washington 28A.642.010. Discrimination prohibited — Definitions.

Discrimination in Washington public schools based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability is prohibited.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-642/section-28a-642-010/

Who does this protect? Students, transgender students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.124 School resource officer programs.

If a school district chooses to have a school resource officer program, the school district must confirm that every school resource officer has received training on a topic like a child and adolescent development, trauma-informed approaches to working with youth, recognizing and responding to mental health issues, etc. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-124/

 Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.479 Social-emotional learning resources.

The office of the superintendent of public instruction must create and publish on its website a list of resources available for the professional development of school district staff on the following topics: Social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, recognition and response to emotional or behavioral distress, consideration of adverse childhood experiences, mental health literacy, antibullying strategies, and culturally sustaining practices.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-479/

 Revised Code of Washington 28A.415.440 Professional learning days — Social-emotional learning.

Train school district staff on one or more of the following topics: Social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, consideration of adverse childhood experiences, mental health literacy, antibullying strategies, and culturally sustaining practices.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.288 Youth suicide prevention activities.

One of the activities under this policy includes training school employees to recognize and respond to the signs of suicide.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-288/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.310.500 Youth suicide screening and referral—Response to emotional or behavioral distress in students—Training for educators and staff—Suicide prevention training.

Each educational service district shall develop and maintain the capacity to offer training for educators and other school district staff on youth suicide screening and referral, and on recognition, initial screening, and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-310/section-28a-310-500/

Who does this protect? Staff, Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Revised Code of Washington 28A.310.500 Youth suicide screening and referral—Response to emotional or behavioral distress in students—Training for educators and staff—Suicide prevention training.

A comprehensive school suicide prevention model must consist of;

• Improved identification such as screening, and response systems such as family counseling, to support students who are at risk.
• Developing, within the school, the capacity to train staff, teachers, parents, and students in how to recognize and support a student who may be struggling with behavioral health issues.
• School selection of appropriate curricula and programs to enhance student awareness of behavioral health issues to reduce stigma, and promote resilience and coping skills.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-310/section-28a-310-500/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.127 Plan for recognition screening and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students including possible sexual abuse.

At a minimum the plan must include; 

• How staff should respond to suspicions, concerns, or warning signs of emotional or behavioral distress in students.
• Protocols and procedures for communication with parents and guardians.
• How the district will provide support to students and staff after an incident of violence, youth suicide, or allegations of sexual abuse.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2020/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-127/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.1271 Model school district plan for recognition initial screening and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students.

The purpose of a model is for recognition, initial screening, and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students. The model plan, developed by the superintendent of public instruction’s school safety center, must incorporate research-based best practices, including practices and protocols used in schools and school districts in other states.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-1271/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.477 Social-emotional learning committee.

Created to promote and expand social-emotional learning by, for example, developing and implementing a statewide framework for social-emotional learning that is trauma-informed, culturally sustaining, and developmentally appropriate.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-477/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.130 Center for the improvement of student learning—Educational improvement and research—Clearinghouse for information regarding educational improvement and parental involvement programs—Website development and maintenance—Reports to the legislature.

The center shall work in conjunction with parents, educational service districts, institutions of higher education, and education, parent, community, and business organizations.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-130/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.131 Parental involvement—Measures to evaluate level—Models and practices—Recognition.

The center for the improvement of student learning shall collaborate with school district family and community outreach programs and educational service districts to identify and highlight successful models and practices of parent involvement.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-131/

 Washington Administrative Code 180-16-220 Supplemental basic education program approval requirements.

One of the things the school improvement plan must address is parent, family, and community involvement, as these factors relate to having a positive impact on student learning.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/washington/title-180/chapter-180-16/180-16-220/

Who does this protect? Students, Parents

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.630 School safety center.

The center, working in conjunction with the regional school safety centers, forms a statewide network for school safety and its responsibilities include; 

• Dissemination of information regarding school safety incidents.
• Development and implementation of comprehensive school safety plans.
• Developing model school safety policies and procedures and identifying best practices in school safety.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-300/section-28a-300-630/

Washington schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies.

• Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.125 Safe school plans—Requirements—Duties of school districts, schools, and educational service districts—Reports—Drills—Rules- First responder agencies.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-125/

• Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.126 Emergency response system.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-126/

Revised Code of Washington 28A.320.124 School resource officer programs.

If a school district chooses to have a school resource officer program, the school district must confirm that every school resource officer has received training on a topic like a child and adolescent development, trauma-informed approaches to working with youth, recognizing and responding to mental health issues, etc. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-320/section-28a-320-124/

A person who is not a commissioned law enforcement officer and who provides school security services under the direction of a school administrator may not possess a weapon unless he or she has completed training to use weapons. School employees or students are not allowed to possess weapons on school grounds.

• Revised Code of Washington 9.41.280 Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities—Penalty—Exceptions.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-9/chapter-9-41/section-9-41-280/

Who does this protect? Students, staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

There is no current policy surrounding Social Inclusion in the state of Washington. For more information on school, climate please visit us at Services – National School

Revised Code of Washington 28A.650.045 Digital citizenship internet safety and media literacy—Best practices and recommendations—Annual review—Model policy update and checklist for future updates.

The best practices and recommendations, developed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, must be developed in consultation with an advisory committee and include instructions that guide thoughtful, safe, and strategic uses of online and other media resources, and education on how to apply critical thinking skills when consuming and producing information.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-650/section-28a-650-045/

 Revised Code of Washington 28A.650.050 Digital citizenship internet safety and media literacy—Web-based location with links recommending practices and resources.

The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall create a web-based location with links to recommended successful practices and resources to support digital citizenship, media literacy, and internet safety.

https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/2021/title-28a/chapter-28a-650/section-28a-650-050/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

There is currently no policy surrounding Leadership in Washington. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

There is currently no policy surrounding Professional Relationships in Washington. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School