The Ineffectiveness Of School Suspensions: Alternatives And Reforms

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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The Negative Impacts of School Suspensions

School suspensions inflict significant harm on students, impacting their academic trajectory, increasing their risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system, and negatively affecting their mental health.

Increased Risk of Academic Failure

Suspension directly correlates with lower academic achievement. Students who are suspended miss valuable instructional time, falling behind their peers and increasing their likelihood of repeating grades. A study by the US Department of Education found that students suspended even once are significantly more likely to drop out of high school. This decreased school engagement leads to decreased access to learning resources and support, further hindering their academic progress and perpetuating a cycle of failure. The consequences extend beyond simply missing class; suspended students are also more likely to become involved in the juvenile justice system, creating a detrimental feedback loop that affects their future opportunities.

• Higher likelihood of repeating grades
• Decreased access to learning resources and support
• Increased likelihood of involvement in the juvenile justice system
• Lower graduation rates
• Reduced academic performance

The School-to-Prison Pipeline

Suspensions significantly contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, a disturbing trend where students are funneled from school disciplinary systems into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This effect is particularly pronounced for marginalized students, including those from racial and ethnic minority groups and low-income families. Studies consistently demonstrate racial disparities in suspension rates; students of color are suspended at significantly higher rates than their white peers, even when controlling for behavioral factors. This demonstrates the presence of racial bias within school disciplinary practices.

• Increased contact with law enforcement
• Criminalization of childhood behaviors
• Long-term negative consequences on future opportunities
• Exacerbation of existing societal inequalities
• Disciplinary disparities based on race and socioeconomic status

Mental Health Consequences

The isolation and alienation caused by suspension profoundly affect students' mental well-being. Many students experience increased feelings of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues following suspension. The lack of adequate mental health support during and after suspension exacerbates these challenges, leaving students vulnerable and without the resources they need to cope. This underscores the critical need for schools to prioritize student well-being and integrate comprehensive mental health services into their disciplinary strategies.

• Increased feelings of isolation and alienation
• Exacerbation of existing mental health conditions
• Limited access to counseling and support services
• Increased risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation
• Negative impact on social-emotional development

Effective Alternatives to Suspension

Fortunately, effective alternatives to suspension exist, offering proactive and restorative approaches to student behavior.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a data-driven framework that promotes positive behavior through proactive strategies and individualized support. It focuses on teaching expected behaviors, providing positive reinforcement, and addressing behavioral challenges early and effectively. Schools implementing PBIS see significant reductions in disciplinary referrals and suspensions while fostering a more positive and supportive school climate. This proactive discipline approach helps create a more positive school culture and reduces the need for punitive measures.

• Clear expectations and consistent consequences
• Positive reinforcement and rewards
• Targeted interventions for students with behavioral challenges
• Data-driven decision making to identify and address trends
• Improved school climate and increased school engagement

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice principles focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships after misbehavior. Instead of punishment, restorative practices emphasize dialogue, accountability, and making amends. By addressing the root causes of misbehavior and involving all stakeholders – the student, the victim, and the community – restorative justice promotes reconciliation and healing. Restorative circles and conflict resolution techniques are frequently used.

• Mediation and conflict resolution
• Community conferencing
• Emphasis on repairing harm and making amends
• Focus on accountability and responsibility
• Improved relationships between students and staff

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

SEL programs equip students with the emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills needed to navigate social situations and manage their emotions effectively. By fostering self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making, SEL helps prevent behavioral problems and promotes positive relationships. These skills are crucial for success both in and outside of the classroom.

• Improved self-awareness and self-management
• Enhanced social skills and empathy
• Reduced conflict and aggression
• Improved academic performance
• Increased overall well-being

Implementing Reforms and Policy Changes

To truly address the ineffectiveness of school suspensions, significant policy changes are necessary at the school and district levels. This includes revising school discipline policies to prioritize restorative and preventative approaches, increasing funding for support services like SEL programs and mental health services, and providing comprehensive training for school staff on alternative disciplinary strategies. Educational policy needs to actively promote equity in education, ensuring that all students have access to the support they need to thrive.

• Revision of school discipline policies
• Increased funding for support services
• Mandatory training for school staff
• Development of clear and consistent behavioral expectations
• Collaboration between schools, families, and community organizations

Conclusion: Rethinking School Discipline: Alternatives to Suspension

The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates the ineffectiveness of school suspensions and their disproportionately negative impact on students, particularly those from marginalized communities. Suspensions hinder academic progress, contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, and negatively affect students' mental health. Replacing school suspensions with effective alternatives such as PBIS, restorative justice, and SEL programs is crucial for creating a more equitable and supportive learning environment. These proactive and restorative approaches not only address misbehavior more effectively but also promote student well-being, fostering positive relationships and academic success. Let's work together to replace school suspensions with more effective and equitable strategies that support student success and well-being. By embracing school discipline reform and investing in preventative and restorative practices, we can create schools where all students can thrive.