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Student Perspectives On School Suspension: Syracuse Studies On Peace And

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Published in Prelude To Prison: Student Perspectives On School Suspension (Syracuse Studies On Peace And Conflict Resolution)

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Prelude to Prison: Student Perspectives on School Suspension (Syracuse Studies on Peace and Conflict Resolution)

by Ernest Bramah

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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School suspension is a common disciplinary practice in the United States, but its effectiveness is often questioned. Some research suggests that suspension may actually be harmful to students, leading to increased dropout rates and decreased academic achievement. Other research suggests that suspension may be necessary to maintain order in schools and protect students from harm.

This article explores the perspectives of students who have been suspended from school. The article draws on data from the Syracuse Studies on Peace and Conflict Resolution, which surveyed over 1,000 students who had been suspended from school. The findings of the study suggest that students who are suspended from school are more likely to experience negative consequences, such as decreased academic achievement, increased dropout rates, and involvement in the juvenile justice system.

The article also discusses the implications of the findings for school policy and practice. The author argues that schools need to develop more effective alternatives to suspension, such as restorative justice practices and peer mediation.

Background

School suspension is a disciplinary action that removes a student from school for a period of time. Suspension can be used for a variety of reasons, including disruptive behavior, fighting, and drug use. In the United States, suspension is the most common form of school discipline, with over 3 million students suspended each year.

There is a growing body of research that suggests that school suspension may be harmful to students. One study found that students who are suspended from school are more likely to drop out of school and to be involved in the juvenile justice system. Another study found that suspension can lead to decreased academic achievement.

Despite the evidence of the negative effects of suspension, it remains a common disciplinary practice in schools. This is likely due to the fact that suspension is seen as a quick and easy way to deal with disruptive students.

Student Perspectives

The Syracuse Studies on Peace and Conflict Resolution surveyed over 1,000 students who had been suspended from school. The study found that students who are suspended from school are more likely to experience negative consequences, such as:

Decreased academic achievement
Increased dropout rates
Involvement in the juvenile justice system

The study also found that students who are suspended from school are more likely to report feeling angry, frustrated, and resentful towards their teachers and school.

Implications for School Policy and Practice

The findings of the Syracuse Studies on Peace and Conflict Resolution have important implications for school policy and practice. The study suggests that schools need to develop more effective alternatives to suspension, such as restorative justice practices and peer mediation.

Restorative justice practices focus on repairing the harm that has been caused by a student's behavior. This can be done through a variety of means, such as mediation, victim-offender dialogue, and community service.

Peer mediation is a process in which students are trained to help other students resolve conflicts peacefully. Peer mediators can help students to understand the impact of their behavior on others and to develop more positive ways of interacting with others.

These are just two examples of the many alternatives to suspension that schools can develop. It is important for schools to find alternatives to suspension that are effective in addressing disruptive behavior while also supporting the academic and social development of students.

School suspension is a common disciplinary practice, but it is one that has been shown to have negative consequences for students. Schools need to develop more effective alternatives to suspension that are fair, effective, and supportive of students.

Prelude to Prison: Student Perspectives on School Suspension (Syracuse Studies on Peace and Conflict Resolution)

by Ernest Bramah

4.4 out of 5