The effectiveness and applicability of student discipline and attendance policies in Massachusetts' public schools are addressed in this report. Following an introduction, the second section presents a review of research and examines seven assumptions about current statewide discipline and attendance practices in light of recent findings. Recommendations are made in the third section, which advocates reexamining discipline, attendance, and academic punishment policies and implementing alternatives. Suggestions are offered for school practitioners in the following areas: staff development; discipline and attendance policies; governance and structure; curriculum and instruction; classroom management; student and family support; special needs students; and assessment and planning. The fourth section presents alternative practices that have been implemented by seven Massachusetts schools and one Connecticut school. Legal requirements for the Massachusetts' public school discipline and attendance policies are listed in the final section. (79 footnotes) (LMI)