Rethinking School Discipline: The Ineffectiveness Of Suspensions

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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The Negative Impact of Suspensions on Student Achievement

School suspensions, far from being a solution, often exacerbate existing problems and hinder student progress. The removal of a student from the classroom directly impacts their academic trajectory.

Increased Absenteeism and Dropout Rates

Suspensions contribute significantly to increased absenteeism, leading to a cascade of negative consequences. Students miss valuable instructional time, falling behind their peers academically and increasing their risk of dropping out.

• Studies: Numerous studies demonstrate a strong correlation between suspension rates and increased dropout rates. For instance, a study by the National Education Association found that students suspended even once are significantly more likely to drop out of high school.
• Standardized Test Scores: The cumulative effect of missed instruction directly impacts standardized test scores, potentially limiting future educational and career opportunities.
• Missed Instruction: Each day missed due to suspension represents a loss of crucial learning opportunities, making it harder for students to catch up and succeed.

The Social and Emotional Consequences

Beyond the academic repercussions, suspensions negatively affect a student's social and emotional well-being. The experience can be isolating and damaging, potentially leading to further behavioral problems.

• Isolation and Alienation: Being suspended creates feelings of isolation and alienation, damaging a student's sense of belonging within the school community.
• Damaged Relationships: Suspensions often strain the relationship between the student and their teachers, making it more challenging to reintegrate back into the classroom.
• Negative Peer Groups: Students who are frequently suspended may find themselves associating with peers who engage in similar behaviors, reinforcing negative patterns.

The Inherent Bias in School Suspension Practices

The application of school suspensions reveals significant systemic biases, disproportionately affecting certain student populations. This inequity demands immediate attention and reform.

Disproportionate Discipline of Minority Students

Students of color are suspended at significantly higher rates than their white peers, highlighting the pervasive presence of implicit bias within school discipline systems.

• Racial Disparities: Data consistently shows that Black and Hispanic students are suspended at disproportionately higher rates compared to white students, even when controlling for other factors.
• Implicit Bias: Unconscious biases held by educators can lead to harsher disciplinary actions against students of color, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.
• Addressing Bias: Implementing implicit bias training for school staff, creating culturally responsive disciplinary practices, and promoting restorative justice approaches are crucial steps toward addressing these disparities.

The Role of Socioeconomic Factors

Socioeconomic status is another critical factor influencing suspension rates. Students from low-income backgrounds are often subjected to harsher punishments, reflecting broader societal inequalities.

• Poverty and Behavior: Poverty can lead to various challenges that impact student behavior, including lack of resources, food insecurity, and unstable housing.
• Resource Disparities: Schools in low-income communities often lack the resources and support systems necessary to address the complex needs of their students effectively.
• Equitable Support: Investing in equitable support systems, including access to mental health services, social workers, and after-school programs, is crucial to mitigating the impact of socioeconomic disparities on student discipline.

Effective Alternatives to School Suspensions

Moving away from school suspensions requires a fundamental shift in how we approach school discipline. Several effective alternatives prioritize positive behavior, conflict resolution, and addressing underlying issues.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm caused by misbehavior and fostering a sense of community responsibility.

• Restorative Circles and Mediation: These practices bring together students, teachers, and parents to collaboratively address conflicts and develop solutions.
• Accountability and Repair: Students are held accountable for their actions while also given opportunities to make amends and learn from their mistakes.
• Building Relationships: Restorative practices strengthen relationships within the school community, promoting a more positive and supportive learning environment.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a preventative framework that focuses on teaching positive behaviors and providing consistent support to students.

• Positive Reinforcement: PBIS emphasizes positive reinforcement, rewarding desired behaviors rather than solely focusing on punishment.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Schools utilizing PBIS use data to identify trends in student behavior and implement targeted interventions.
• Positive School Climate: PBIS creates a positive school climate that fosters respect, responsibility, and a sense of belonging.

Addressing Underlying Issues

Addressing the root causes of student misbehavior is crucial for effective discipline. Many behavioral problems stem from underlying issues such as trauma, learning disabilities, or mental health challenges.

• School Counselors and Psychologists: Providing access to school counselors and psychologists is essential for early identification and intervention.
• Mental Health Services: Ensuring access to mental health services for students in need is vital for addressing underlying issues affecting their behavior.
• Early Intervention Programs: Implementing early intervention programs can help identify and address potential behavioral problems before they escalate.

Conclusion

School suspensions are ineffective, lead to negative consequences for students, and disproportionately impact certain student populations. The data overwhelmingly suggests a need for change. We must shift away from punitive measures toward more effective and equitable discipline strategies. Let's rethink school discipline and work towards a system that supports all students, replacing the ineffectiveness of school suspensions with strategies that foster learning and growth. To learn more about implementing restorative justice and PBIS in your school, visit [link to relevant resource 1] and [link to relevant resource 2].