Suspension, whether in school or out, was once an all-too-common form of discipline for misbehaving students. However, with chronic absenteeism on the rise, student engagement becoming an even stronger priority, and the inequities that are in place against underrepresented students in these scenarios, education leaders have been calling for alternatives to suspension.
Over time, the K-12 landscape has seen the occurrence of suspension continue to rise. Between 1973 and 2006, suspensions and expulsions increased from 3.7% to 6.9% out of the total enrolled students. Then between the years of 2021 and 2021, over 1.4 million students had been suspended.
Instead of falling back on a disciplinary practice that removes students from the classroom, some alternatives to suspension could prove to be a better solution. Let’s explore a few different strategies that just about any school could try.
Restorative Justice Circles
Restorative justice has been growing in popularity as it allows a space for students to consider their behavior and how they affect others. Following this practice can also encourage students to take accountability and make changes so as to avoid performing those same missteps in the future.
Having students engage in restorative justice circles is a great way to facilitate productive conversations between students and teachers. Teachers can also receive training on how to lead these discussions. Some communities may benefit from having a peer leader in these situations, so training students in guiding these discussions can also be helpful.
Within a mediated discussion between students, chaperoned by teachers, restorative justice circles can give students the opportunity to correct any mistakes and move forward.
Mentorship Programs
There are usually reasons why a student is acting out. Some might not have support in their home environments. Having a trusted mentor who can provide support for students in their academics and even personal development can make all the difference.
Not all teachers may have the bandwidth to participate, so start off by asking for volunteers in the mentorship program. Then, teachers can be assigned to the students they will be supporting. Encourage teachers to perform regular check-ins to discuss how the students are progressing toward their goals.
Peers can also serve as powerful mentors as they can relate to their fellow students in ways that teachers cannot. Peer mentors can also serve as extra support for social development and inclusion.
Through a structured mentorship program, students at risk of suspension can find belonging and the support they need to succeed.
Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
For students with persistent behavioral challenges, they may respond best to personalized approaches that address the root cause. By implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), school leaders can begin a process that goes beyond discipline as it seeks to foster positive behavior moving forward.
This process can begin with gathering input from other school staff members, such as teachers or counselors, to determine what are the factors affecting the student’s behavior.
Next, leaders can set specific and measurable goals that are tailored to the student. For example, if a student has persistent outbursts in class, this plan can seek to reduce the number of outbursts each week.
To implement the plan, personalized strategies must be in place. Some students may benefit from having a safe space to calm down and regulate their emotions. Others may need someone to practice socially appropriate responses.
By focusing on a tailored approach, school leaders can provide an alternative to suspension that fosters progress and inclusivity.
Lasting Positive Change
Suspension has long been a default disciplinary measure, but the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t actually fit all students. With alternatives to suspension, schools can shift their focus from punitive measures to restorative and proactive strategies that keep students engaged in learning.
