Alternatives to Suspension in Schools: Top Strategies & Tips

In recent years, the traditional approach to managing student behavior through suspensions has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that suspensions can exacerbate problems, alienate students, and lead to a cycle of bad behavior and academic underperformance. As a result, educators and policymakers have been exploring alternatives to suspension in schools. These alternatives aim to address the root causes of behavioral issues, keep students engaged in their education, and foster a positive school environment. This comprehensive guide explores the top strategies and tips for implementing effective alternatives to suspension in schools.

Problem Solving/Contracting

One of the most direct alternatives to suspension in schools is problem-solving or contracting. This approach involves identifying the specific behaviors that need to be changed and working with the student to create a contract outlining the expectations for behavior and the consequences for failing to meet those expectations. This method encourages students to take responsibility for their actions and to understand the impact of their behavior on others. It also provides a clear, structured framework within which students can work to improve their behavior, making it a practical alternative to suspension.

Restitution

Restitution is another effective alternative, focusing on repairing the harm caused by the student's behavior. This could involve apologizing to affected parties, returning or repairing damaged property, or taking steps to make amends in another way. The goal of restitution is to help students understand the consequences of their actions and to encourage empathy and responsibility. By focusing on making amends, restitution helps to resolve conflicts and restore relationships, which can be more beneficial in the long term than simply punishing the student through suspension.

Mini-Courses or Skill Modules

Behavioral issues often stem from a lack of certain social or emotional skills. Offering mini-courses or skill modules as alternatives to suspension in schools can be an effective way to address these underlying issues. These courses can cover a wide range of topics, such as anger management, conflict resolution, communication skills, and empathy training. By equipping students with the tools they need to manage their behavior more effectively, these courses can lead to lasting changes in behavior and reduce the need for disciplinary actions like suspension.

Parent Involvement/Supervision

Increasing parent involvement and supervision is another key strategy for managing student behavior without resorting to suspension. This can involve regular communication between teachers and parents about the student's behavior, as well as involving parents in the development and implementation of behavior improvement plans. Parental involvement ensures that students receive consistent messages about behavior expectations both at school and at home, which can reinforce positive behavior changes.

Counseling

Counseling is a critical component of any comprehensive approach to alternatives to suspension in schools. Many students act out because of underlying emotional or psychological issues, and counseling can provide a safe space for them to explore these issues with a trained professional. Whether it's individual counseling, group therapy, or family counseling, these services can help students understand and manage their emotions, leading to improvements in behavior.

Community Service

Community service is another effective alternative to suspension, offering students the opportunity to give back to their community while learning valuable life lessons. This approach can help students develop a sense of responsibility, empathy, and civic duty, which can positively impact their behavior. Community service projects can also provide practical experiences that reinforce the importance of positive behavior and the impact of negative behavior on others.

Behavior Monitoring

Behavior monitoring involves closely observing and tracking a student's behavior over time, providing immediate feedback, and adjusting strategies as needed. This continuous feedback loop can help students better understand the connection between their behavior and its consequences, leading to more self-awareness and self-regulation. Behavior monitoring can be an effective alternative to suspension in schools when combined with other strategies, such as counseling or skill-building courses.

Coordinated Behavior Plans

Developing coordinated behavior plans involves creating a comprehensive, individualized plan to address a student's specific behavioral issues. These plans typically involve collaboration among teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, and sometimes the students themselves. By taking a coordinated approach, schools can ensure that all stakeholders are working together towards common goals, making it easier to implement effective alternatives to suspension in schools.

Alternative Programming

Alternative programming refers to the creation of specialized programs or schools designed to meet the needs of students who struggle in traditional educational settings. These programs can offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and a curriculum tailored to the students' specific needs. By providing an environment that is more conducive to learning and personal growth, alternative programming can help prevent the behaviors that lead to suspension.

Appropriate In-School Suspension

While the goal is to find alternatives to suspension in schools, there may be situations where removal from the regular classroom is necessary. In these cases, an appropriate in-school suspension can be a valuable tool. This approach keeps students in school but removes them from their regular classroom environment, allowing them to continue their education while addressing their behavioral issues. In-school suspension programs should be structured to provide academic support and behavioral interventions, making them more than just a punishment.

Creating a Caring School Community and Climate

Creating a caring school community and climate is foundational to preventing behavioral issues and reducing the need for suspensions. This involves fostering an environment where students feel valued, respected, and connected to their school. Strategies for creating a caring community include promoting positive relationships among students and staff, establishing clear and consistent behavior expectations, and celebrating diversity and inclusion. By creating a positive school climate, schools can encourage students to behave in ways that contribute to the well-being of the community.

Efforts to Build Adult-Student Relationships

Strong adult-student relationships are key to effective alternatives to suspension in schools. When students feel connected to and supported by the adults in their school, they are more likely to engage in positive behavior. Efforts to build these relationships can include mentorship programs, regular check-ins between students and staff, and opportunities for students to provide input on school policies and practices. By investing in these relationships, schools can create a supportive environment that encourages positive behavior.

Increased Parent Involvement

As mentioned earlier, increased parent involvement is crucial for implementing effective alternatives to suspension in schools. Parents play a vital role in reinforcing the behavior expectations set by the school and can provide valuable insights into their child's behavior. Schools can increase parent involvement by hosting regular meetings, providing resources and training for parents, and involving parents in the development of behavior plans. By working closely with parents, schools can create a unified approach to managing student behavior.

Character Education/Consistent School Values

Character education and the promotion of consistent school values are important components of any strategy to reduce suspensions. These programs focus on teaching students the values and behaviors that contribute to a positive school environment, such as respect, responsibility, empathy, and integrity. By integrating these values into the curriculum and school culture, schools can encourage students to internalize these principles and act in ways that reflect them.

Early Identification and Intervention

Early identification and intervention are critical for preventing behavioral issues before they escalate to the point where suspension is considered. This can involve screening students for behavioral or emotional issues, providing targeted support for at-risk students, and implementing early intervention programs. By identifying and addressing issues early, schools can provide students with the support they need to succeed academically and behaviorally.

Mediation Programs

Mediation programs offer a way to resolve conflicts between students or between students and staff without resorting to suspension. These programs train students and staff in mediation techniques, providing them with the tools to resolve disputes in a constructive and collaborative manner. By promoting dialogue and understanding, mediation can help to de-escalate conflicts and prevent them from leading to more serious disciplinary actions.

Bullying Prevention and Intervention

Bullying is a significant issue in many schools and can be a major factor in behavioral problems. Implementing comprehensive bullying prevention and intervention programs is an essential alternative to suspension in schools. These programs can include anti-bullying policies, education for students and staff about bullying and its effects, and support for victims of bullying. By addressing bullying directly, schools can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all students.

Conflict De-escalation Training

Conflict de-escalation training for staff and students is another important strategy for managing behavior without resorting to suspension. This training teaches individuals how to recognize the signs of escalating conflict and how to intervene in a way that calms the situation. By equipping staff and students with these skills, schools can reduce the likelihood of conflicts leading to disciplinary actions like suspension.

School-Wide Discipline Program

Implementing a school-wide discipline program is a comprehensive approach to managing student behavior. These programs establish clear and consistent behavior expectations for the entire school community, along with positive reinforcement for meeting those expectations and consequences for failing to do so. By taking a school-wide approach, schools can create a unified framework for behavior management that is understood and supported by all members of the school community.

Positive Office Referrals/Recognition

Finally, positive office referrals and recognition programs can be effective alternatives to suspension in schools. These programs focus on recognizing and rewarding positive behavior, rather than just punishing negative behavior. By highlighting the positive actions of students, schools can encourage more students to engage in behavior that contributes to a positive school environment. Positive recognition can take many forms, from public announcements to awards or privileges, and can be a powerful motivator for students.

There are many effective alternatives to suspension in schools that can address behavioral issues in a more constructive and supportive way. By focusing on the underlying causes of behavior, providing targeted support, and fostering a positive school environment, schools can reduce the need for suspensions and help all students succeed. Implementing these alternatives requires commitment and collaboration among all members of the school community, but the benefits for students and schools alike are well worth the effort.