Yes. Suspension is appropriate only after other means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct.  Other means of correction include, but are not limited to: a conference between school personnel and the parent, a referral for special education assessments, and a positive behavior support approach with tiered interventions.  School districts should use alternatives to suspension or expulsion to address problems of truancy, tardiness, and other absences from school activities. [Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 48900(w).]

It is within the superintendent’s discretion to use alternative methods, such as anger-management classes, instead of suspension or expulsion. [Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 48900(v).] A school district may also adopt a policy authorizing teachers to require the parent or guardian of a pupil who has been suspended to attend a portion of a school day in the classroom of his or her child or ward. [Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 48900.1.]