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In schools, we see that the traditional approach to discipline is not working. Over reliance on punitive strategies like suspension is failing our kids. Research indicates that schools with high suspension rates are less safe, less equitable, and have lower academic outcomes. Zero tolerance policies push kids out by punishing them for behavior without trying to understand why the behavior is occurring.  Research shows that most students who get suspended end up getting suspended twice, causing some to say that suspension is not an effective tool for changing behavior. As educators it is important to understand the impact disciplinary actions have on kids. Improving school climate and school discipline is crucial to help students succeed.

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The program would consist of school districts and schools reducing the use of expulsions and out of school suspensions, which have demonstrated to have negative effects on students.  Studies show that suspension rates closely correlate with dropout and delinquency rates.

An important step to improve suspension rates is to create a positive school climate.   Climate must consist of a culture of connectedness and care where all members of the school community can thrive.
Actions to address and improve school climate.
- Strong relationships between students and teachers may be one of the best ways to reduce suspension rates.
- Implement positive discipline approaches.
-encourage teachers and administration to have empathic disciplinary           approaches.
-positive behavioral supports and interventions; When necessary, provide students with counseling and other resources to address the underlying causes for behavioral issues.

-increase social emotional learning
-use restorative practices

“Changing the mindset of one teacher can change the social experience of that child’s entire world,” said Jason A. Okonofua, a Stanford University social psychologist who led an intervention to cut suspension rates in half among adolescents.

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By May 20, 2023, 7-9th grade students (class of 2024-26) suspension rates will have been reduced by 10% from current suspension rates of same grades.

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What Are We Doing About School Suspensions | TJ Rumler | TEDxGreenville

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M 1. Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being
M 2. Self-confidence in ability to succeed
M 3. Sense of belonging in the school environment
B-LS 1. Demonstrate critical-thinking skills to make informed decisions
B-SMS 1. Demonstrate ability to assume responsibility
B-SMS 7. Demonstrate effective coping skills when faced with a problem
B-SS 3. Create relationships with adults that support success

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Students will benefit from more empathetic disciplinary procedures. May be provided with resources to address the underlying causes for behavioral issues.

Parents will have knowledge of what students are experiencing outside of school that could be causing them to act out.  It is important to let parents give input on disciplinary actions.

Teachers and the relationship they have with the student could determine the attitude and behavior of students.

School counselors can work with students on a social emotional level and determine possible underlying issues causing misbehavior.

Administrators will ultimately determine school climate and provide resources for school personnel to  implement positive discipline approaches.

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American School Counselor Association (2014). Mindsets and
Behaviors for Student Success: K-12 College- and Career-Readiness
Standards for Every Student. Alexandria, VA: Author

Balfanz, R., Byrnes, V., & Fox, J. (2014). Sent Home and Put Off-Track: The Antecedents, Disproportionalities, and Consequences of Being Suspended in the Ninth Grade. Journal of Applied Research on Children, 5(2).

Dankner, D. (2019). No Child Left behind Bars: Suspending Willful Defiance to Disassemble the School-To-Prison Pipeline. Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review, 51(3), 577–608.