Exclusionary School Discipline Does Not Work

Years of research have shown that exclusionary school discipline methods, like suspension or expulsion, do not improve student behavior. Instead, these practices make it more likely that a student will not complete high school and more likely that they will have contact with the justice system. This is more true of students of color. Black students are 4 times more likely to be suspended than their white peers, without indication to show they misbehave more. Positive Alternatives to suspension and expulsion, such as School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support, Restorative Practices and Trauma Informed Schools are demonstrated to support students and address harsh and disproportionate school discipline.  Fix School Discipline’s vision for schools is supportive schools for all students.

The materials below illustrate the problems with out-of-school suspensions, as well as research about the solutions.

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