DASA Is About More Than Bullying: What New York Educators and Schools Should Know

When people hear about New York’s Dignity for All Students Act, or DASA, they often associate it with bullying. Bullying is an important part of DASA, but the law has a broader purpose: helping provide students with a safe and supportive educational environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.

DASA is also part of New York State’s educator certification requirements. For individuals who need to complete DASA training, the required training is at least six clock hours and addresses harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention in schools.

Understanding DASA therefore matters both to individuals pursuing educator certification and to schools and districts responsible for supporting safe learning environments and managing training needs.

What Does DASA Cover?

New York’s Dignity for All Students Act took effect in 2012 and applies to public elementary and secondary schools. Its protections address discrimination, harassment and bullying on school property, on school buses and at school functions. The law was later amended to address cyberbullying as well.

DASA identifies actual or perceived characteristics including race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender and sex. Importantly, its protections apply to all students, not only students who fall within one of the characteristics specifically identified in the law.

DASA can also reach beyond the traditional picture of repeated, face to face bullying. Under certain circumstances, conduct occurring away from school can fall within the DASA framework when the applicable standards concerning its effect on the school environment are met. Current NYSED reporting guidance also explains that a material incident of discrimination, harassment or bullying can involve a single verified incident or a series of related verified incidents.

DASA is also concerned with prevention and school climate, not only what happens after an incident occurs. Its broader framework supports the goal of creating educational environments centered on safety, dignity and respect.

Who Needs DASA Training for New York Certification?

DASA training is part of New York State’s educator certification requirements, but it does not apply only to classroom teachers.

Depending on the certification pathway or educator preparation program involved, DASA training can be relevant to teachers, teaching assistants, student teachers and others preparing for New York State educator certification.

New York also distinguishes between roles such as teaching assistants and teacher aides. Simply working in a classroom does not, by itself, mean that someone must independently complete the six hour DASA workshop. Individuals should verify the requirements for their particular certificate, role or educator preparation program through the New York State Education Department’s educator certification information.

For individuals who need to complete the six hour DASA workshop outside an applicable New York State registered educator preparation program, training must be completed through an NYSED approved provider.

Laboratory Consultation Services, Inc. (LCS) is an NYSED approved DASA training provider and offers a six hour Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) course under Provider #DASA0204. LCS has provided state mandated and professional training to more than 40,000 students across its course offerings.

Learn More About the LCS DASA Course

DASA Training for Schools and Districts

For schools and districts, DASA training needs may arise for multiple people, including teachers, teaching assistants, student teachers or other personnel who need to satisfy an applicable training requirement.

Rather than addressing those needs one person at a time, school and district administrators can coordinate with an approved provider. Laboratory Consultation Services, Inc. works with schools and districts that need DASA training for multiple staff or faculty members and can discuss an appropriate training arrangement.

Email us at saulzw@laboratoryconsultationservices.com to inquire about DASA training for your school or district.

How Is DASA Training Completion Reported?

For individuals completing DASA training through an approved workshop provider, the provider reports completion electronically to the New York State Education Department’s Office of Teaching Initiatives.

NYSED advises participants that identifying information provided to the workshop provider, including name, date of birth and Social Security number, must exactly match the information in their TEACH account. Information that does not match can delay the processing of a course completion.

Participants can review their TEACH account to confirm that the workshop completion has been recorded.

Certification requirements can vary based on the certificate and pathway involved. Educators should consult the New York State Education Department for current requirements applicable to their circumstances.