School Suspensions: Do The Consequences Outweigh The Benefits?

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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H2: The Negative Impact of School Suspensions on Student Achievement

School suspensions significantly disrupt a student's education, leading to a cascade of negative consequences. The immediate impact is missed instruction, but the long-term effects can be devastating.

H3: Increased Absenteeism and Drop-out Rates

Suspensions directly contribute to increased absenteeism. Missing classes, even for a short period, puts students behind academically, making it difficult to catch up. This academic struggle can lead to feelings of frustration and disengagement, ultimately increasing the likelihood of dropping out.

• Increased likelihood of failing grades: The missed instruction and disruption to learning often result in lower grades and increased academic difficulties.
• Difficulty reintegrating into the classroom: Returning to school after a suspension can be challenging, requiring significant effort from both the student and the teacher to re-establish learning routines and social connections.
• Social isolation: Suspension isolates students from their peers and support networks, exacerbating feelings of alienation and hindering their social and emotional development.

Studies show a strong correlation between school suspensions and increased dropout rates. One study found that students suspended even once are significantly more likely to drop out of high school than their peers who have never been suspended.

H3: The Mental Health Toll of Suspension

Beyond the academic impact, school suspensions take a significant toll on students' mental health. The experience can be deeply damaging, leading to feelings of shame, isolation, and increased risk of depression and anxiety.

• Impact on self-esteem: Being suspended can severely damage a student's self-esteem and sense of belonging within the school community.
• Increased risk of behavioral issues: The feelings of anger, resentment, and isolation experienced by suspended students can lead to an escalation of behavioral problems.
• Potential for escalation of disciplinary problems: Suspension can be a cyclical process, with students who are suspended once being more likely to be suspended again.

The lack of adequate support systems for suspended students further exacerbates these mental health challenges. Many students lack access to counseling or other mental health services during and after their suspension.

H2: Alternative Disciplinary Approaches and Their Effectiveness

Fortunately, more effective and humane disciplinary approaches exist that prioritize student well-being and positive behavior change.

H3: Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and building positive relationships. Instead of punishment, it emphasizes dialogue, accountability, and reconciliation between the student, victim (if applicable), and the school community.

• Examples of restorative justice practices: Mediation, conflict resolution circles, community service projects designed to address the harm caused.
• Effectiveness of restorative justice: Research consistently shows that restorative justice practices are significantly more effective than traditional punitive measures in reducing disciplinary incidents and improving school climate.

H3: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive framework that focuses on preventing behavioral problems before they arise. It involves establishing clear expectations, providing positive reinforcement for good behavior, and offering individualized support to students who are struggling.

• Key components of PBIS: Clear behavioral expectations, consistent application of rules, positive reinforcement systems, and individualized behavior support plans.
• Success rates of PBIS programs: Numerous studies demonstrate the effectiveness of PBIS programs in reducing suspensions and creating a more positive and supportive school environment.

H2: The Social and Economic Costs of School Suspensions

School suspensions have significant social and economic consequences that extend beyond the individual student.

H3: Disproportionate Impact on Minority Students

School suspensions disproportionately affect minority students, perpetuating systemic inequalities within the education system. This disparity highlights the need for a deeper examination of the biases that influence disciplinary decisions.

• Statistics on suspension rates: Data clearly shows a significant racial and ethnic disparity in school suspension rates, with students of color being suspended at far higher rates than their white peers.
• Long-term consequences: This disparity has long-term consequences for educational attainment, economic opportunity, and overall life outcomes.

H3: The Financial Burden on Schools and Communities

The financial costs associated with school suspensions are substantial. These costs include staff time spent on disciplinary actions, the expense of alternative educational programs for suspended students, and the potential for increased law enforcement involvement.

• Costs associated with suspension: Staff time for paperwork, meetings, and disciplinary hearings; cost of alternative programs; potential legal fees; and increased security costs.
• Opportunity cost: The resources spent on suspensions could be better utilized on preventative measures and support programs that create positive school climates.

3. Conclusion

This article has demonstrated the considerable negative impact of school suspensions on student achievement, mental health, and social equity. The evidence strongly suggests that the perceived benefits of suspensions are significantly outweighed by their detrimental consequences. Alternative disciplinary approaches, such as restorative justice and PBIS, offer more effective and humane solutions for managing student behavior and creating positive school climates. Let's work together to reduce the reliance on school suspensions and create more supportive and equitable learning environments for all students. By implementing effective alternatives to school suspensions, we can foster a more inclusive and successful educational experience for every child.