The work you do in school is an investment in your future, and if you get in trouble, it can affect your plans.It's not normal to get all the way through school without getting in trouble.It seems like it's hard to stay out when you're in trouble.Some students get punished more than others for being out of line.Communication with authority figures will help you minimize your punishment.It's possible to prevent suspension or expulsion by learning your rights.Taking care of yourself and addressing any problems you have been facing will help you cope with the hard time.
Step 1: Tell the truth.
If you've been accused of doing something, admit it.If you think the story has been twisted, acknowledge the parts that are true.You will have an easier time telling your side of the story if you appear cooperative.There is always something you could have done better.You might be in trouble for losing your temper if you were being bullied.First you have to admit that you need to control your temper.Stay calm if you have been accused of something.If you panic, you will have a harder time explaining the mistake.When you are being disciplined, ask your teacher, parent or guardian to be with you.
Step 2: I would like to apologize to anyone that has been affected.
If you disagree with how your discipline is being handled, apologize for anything you could have done better.It is a sign of maturity to admit that you feel bad.If you show that you understand what you did, are sorry for it, and plan on never doing it again, you may be punished less.It is possible to apologize to your teachers, school administrators, and fellow students.You should also apologize to your parent or guardian.They may have to lose a day of work or deal with other unpleasantness as a result of you being in trouble at school.
Step 3: Make the most of your punishment.
After getting in trouble at school, you may find yourself depressed.If you are suspended, it can be easy to get behind on schoolwork.Being in trouble at school can leave you with extra time on your hands.If you can, try to use this time to catch up on your schoolwork.If you can, review your notes from the semester and study for upcoming tests.Get ready for your reading.You can start any book you want, or read the next few chapters in your textbook.If you have a big project coming up outside of school, it's a good idea to do some research.You are less likely to be punished if you are seen as being organized.
Step 4: You should learn your rights.
For a more serious punishment, such as a suspension or expulsion, your school needs to follow certain rules.Look up your district's Code of Conduct, or Discipline Code, online, and call into a district office to get a longer explanation of the procedures.You have the right to contest your suspension if you think you are being unfairly suspended.At the beginning of the year, most schools give out a handbook with Student Conduct rules and post them around the school.You may be able to argue that you didn't know you were breaking a rule if your school has not published or distributed school rules.You can get the suspension removed from your record if you prove that you were unfairly suspended.
Step 5: Determine if you were properly notified.
You have the right to notice.Notices of your suspension must be given to your parents or guardians within 24 hours.The date and description of the event must be included in the notice.You can return to school or have the suspension removed from your record if this information is not included.
Step 6: It's a good idea to talk with the principal.
The principal probably has the right to a conference with you.The person who accused you of misbehavior will be included in the conference.The person who accused you might not be there.You can ask your accuser questions before the principal.
Step 7: Demand your education.
You should check to see if you have the right to alternative instruction.You may be able to continue your schoolwork if you are in the school district.This can happen at home, on your school campus, or in a detention center.
Step 8: You should get a fair hearing.
Depending on the length of your suspension, you may be able to have a hearing with an employee of the school district.You can be represented by your parent, guardian, or trusted adult.Ask your local law schools if they offer free representation.
Step 9: Speak out against discrimination.
You have more rights if you have an Individualized Education Plan.The Special Education Regional Supervisor can be reached for students with disabilities.You can be tested for behavioral problems.You have 180 days to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education if you believe you are being discriminated against.
Step 10: Go to the root of the problem.
What caused you to do the thing that got you in trouble, and what can you do to prevent it from happening again?How have you been?What has changed in your life recently?You might be acting out because of the strain you are under.Problems at home, bullied at school, and difficulty with schoolwork can lead to choices that can harm you.Take a moment to write down everything that is happening in your life.If you're going through stress, talk to a parent or a guidance counselor.If you have issues with another student, talk to your counselor.
Step 11: The problem should be addressed.
Address the reason you got in trouble at school.If you are being pressured by friends, find friends who aren't trying to control your behavior.It is possible to meet new people by joining an afterschool program.If you committed plagiarism because you were afraid of failing, ask a parent or guardian about getting a tutor.If you are struggling with an eating disorder, ask for help from your doctor.Ask to speak to a counselor or psychologist if you are scared, angry, or numb.It is possible that you are suffering from anxiety or depression.If you cannot concentrate on your schoolwork, cannot sit still, or are having trouble keeping up in class, ask to speak to a doctor.It's possible you have a learning disorder.
Step 12: It's time to rebuild your self-esteem.
It's easy to label yourself a bad kid when you get in trouble.This can make it harder for you to perform well in school and make you more likely to get in trouble again.Tell yourself that you deserve a good education.Remember that everyone struggles, that some people struggle harder, and that you are worth the trouble.Tell your teachers, parents, and friends that you are serious about doing well at school.People react to you getting in trouble.Keep the friends who are sympathetic.Don't have friends who make fun of you or try to get you into trouble again.
Step 13: Determine what you want from school.
Make a plan for the rest of the year.Do you want to pass all of your classes?Is it possible to get through the year without getting in trouble?To get good grades to get into a certain school?To your teachers, your counselor, and your parent or guardian, tell your goal.Make a realistic schedule that will help you reach your goal if you ask for advice.If you want to get into a particular college, you should look at the average grades and test scores of admitted students.They should aim to get slightly higher grades.If your scores aren't up to standard, sign up for a class and take a pre-test.Make friends with your teachers.Most of your teachers want you to succeed, even if you aren't appreciated by everyone.The teacher who got you in trouble might be looking out for you.If you don't understand the homework, ask for help.Pay attention in class.When your grades pick up, tell your teacher before or after class.They will see that you are serious about your future.
Step 14: It's important to build healthy habits.
If you get at least nine hours of sleep a night, three meals a day, and an hour of exercise daily, you will have an easier time in school.If you don't like sports, try dancing, skateboarding, or biking.You can organize low-key sports activities with your friends or sign up for a self-defense class.You can maximize your concentration during study time by building habits that allow you to blow off steam at other times.You should break up your study time.For about 45 minutes, most people can concentrate.Break in between shorter sessions of study.Stand up and move around.