School Suspensions: Do The Risks Outweigh The Benefits?

4 min read Post on May 02, 2025

School Suspensions: Do The Risks Outweigh The Benefits?

The Negative Impact of School Suspensions on Academic Performance

Suspensions significantly disrupt a student's education and have detrimental effects on their academic trajectory.

Increased Absenteeism and Grade Decline

Suspensions cause increased absenteeism, leading to missed classes, incomplete assignments, and falling behind peers. This can create a cycle of academic failure, making it increasingly difficult for students to catch up.

Falling behind peers: Missed instruction leads to gaps in knowledge and understanding, making it challenging to participate fully in class.
Difficulty catching up: The workload of catching up can be overwhelming, leading to further frustration and disengagement.
Increased likelihood of dropping out: Students who experience repeated suspensions are more likely to drop out of school altogether.

Studies show a strong correlation between suspensions and lower grades, increased grade repetition, and ultimately, lower graduation rates. For example, research from [cite relevant study] indicates that students suspended even once are [insert statistic, e.g., 20%] more likely to fail a grade.

The Long-Term Effects on Educational Attainment

The consequences of school suspensions extend far beyond immediate academic setbacks. A disciplinary record can significantly impact future educational opportunities.

College admissions: Many colleges consider disciplinary records during the admissions process, potentially hindering a student's chances of acceptance.
Scholarships: A history of suspensions can make it more difficult to secure scholarships and financial aid for higher education.
Stigmatization: The stigma associated with suspension can negatively impact self-esteem and future academic motivation, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement.

This long-term impact underscores the need for a more nuanced and supportive approach to student discipline.

The Link Between School Suspensions and Increased Delinquency

School suspensions are increasingly recognized as a contributor to the school-to-prison pipeline.

The School-to-Prison Pipeline

The school-to-prison pipeline refers to the disproportionate channeling of students, particularly minority students, from schools to the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Suspensions often serve as a gateway to this pipeline.

Disproportionate suspension rates: Statistics reveal that minority students, particularly African American and Latino students, are suspended at significantly higher rates than their white peers, even when controlling for other factors. [cite relevant statistics and sources].
Correlation between suspension and criminal activity: Research suggests a correlation between suspension and increased involvement in criminal activity, suggesting that suspension may not address the underlying issues contributing to misbehavior, but rather exacerbates them.

The Role of Social Isolation and Lack of Support

Suspension isolates students from the positive influences and support systems within the school environment.

Loss of social support: Schools provide crucial social support, including mentorship from teachers and positive peer relationships. Suspension removes these vital supports.
Increased risk of negative peer influence: Outside of school, students are more exposed to negative peer influence and potentially risky behaviors, further increasing their likelihood of delinquency.

Removing a student from a structured environment and supportive community often worsens, rather than improves, their behavior.

Exploring More Effective Disciplinary Approaches

Rather than relying on suspensions, schools should embrace alternative disciplinary strategies that address the root causes of misbehavior.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice practices focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than solely punishing offenders.

Conflict resolution: Techniques such as mediation and facilitated dialogues help students understand the impact of their actions and take responsibility for them.
Peer mediation: Involving peers in the conflict resolution process can foster empathy and accountability.
Community service: Community service provides opportunities for students to make amends and contribute positively to their community.

These practices create a more positive and inclusive school climate, promoting better behavior and reducing the need for punitive measures.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach to discipline that emphasizes positive reinforcement and clear expectations.

Clear expectations: Establishing and consistently enforcing clear behavioral expectations creates a predictable and supportive environment.
Positive reinforcement: Rewarding positive behavior reinforces desired actions and creates a positive school climate.
Proactive interventions: Addressing potential behavioral issues before they escalate prevents more serious disciplinary problems.

Research shows that schools implementing PBIS see significant reductions in suspensions and improved student behavior.

Rethinking School Suspensions – A Call for Change

This article has demonstrated the detrimental effects of school suspensions on academic achievement, future prospects, and overall student well-being. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the risks of school suspensions significantly outweigh their purported benefits. Do the risks of school suspensions outweigh their benefits? The answer, based on the presented evidence, is a resounding yes.

Let's work together to replace ineffective and harmful school suspensions with evidence-based strategies that create safer, more supportive, and more equitable learning environments for all students. We need to champion restorative justice practices and positive behavioral interventions to create schools where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s advocate for change and move beyond the reliance on school suspensions.