Should Schools Suspend Suspensions?

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, January/February 2019 Issue

By Adam Stone

Briana Robinson is no big fan of suspension as a disciplinary tool.

“For me, it is best for students to be in class,” says Robinson, a Grade 5 teacher of English language arts at the Key Academy, a public charter school in Washington, DC. “They come to school to learn and I want them to be in school as much as possible. When a student is suspended, they are no longer in that learning environment.”

She is not alone in this. A growing chorus of educators and researchers have lately come together to urge schools away from suspension as a way to tame repeat classroom offenders. A range of studies suggest suspension is often unfair—skewed by race and gender—and also unproductive, leading to worse rather than better academic outcomes.

Moreover, advocates say, there are better ways to deal with discipline issues. Communication, caring, and inclusivity can reshape the classroom for the better. Here we’ll take a look at some of the concerns that have been raised around suspension and then consider emerging alternatives.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Adam Stone is a seasoned journalist with 20+ years’ experience. He covers education, technology, government, and the military, along with diverse other topics.

Education News

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Adam Stone
Adam Stone
Adam Stone is a seasoned journalist with 20+ years’ experience. He covers education, technology, government, and the military, along with diverse other topics.

Advertisement

Read More

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Exploring Indigenous Culture Through the Senses: A Transformative Learning Experience

At McKenzie Towne School in Alberta, students are learning through touch, scent, and sound with the Indigenous Sensory Box Project.
casino hcm | cuộc chiến thượng lưu phần 3 tập 10 | vua hai tac zing me | slotted washer | kết quả xổ số max 3d | bet365 casino apk | kết quả xsmb 100 ngày | code sieu anh hung hai duong pro | play together miễn phí | copa truc tiep | slot technician | ket qua bong da vong loai world cup 2018 | nấu xôi đậu phộng | Vua ớt | chém hoa quả | royal vegas slots | mgm grand hotel and casino las vegas nv united states | xổ số | xapk là gì | elara hotel casino | web slot | nuoi lo khung net | mobile online casino south africa | sudoku mức độ khó | play slots for real money | 7m cn vn | golden sevens slot | joker millions slot | soxome | nhac thieunhi | thống kê giải đặc biệt theo năm tháng | sơ đồ tư duy tây tiến | soicau247 top | online casino deutschland legal | thong ke loto mien bac | đề về 34 hôm sau đánh con gì | tair | game8jp | trực tiếp bóng nữ | kiểm soát điều kiện fo3 | trusted casino | en kazançlı slot oyunu | tasmania casino | xem k pc | kết qua net 60 ngày | đăng ký làm đại lý ku casino | casino trực tuyến tặng tiền | slot pintu | xsmn 18 4 2023 | thái bình thiên quốc | ww88 casino | fruits n royals slot | nightrush casino online | casino malaysia | tải trò chơi roblox | casino 888 app | ho chunk casino dells | bong hinh trong tim | thống kê giải đặc biệt theo tháng năm | mhw slots | usa slots | pikachu online game | xem k pc | wishmaker casino | willkommensbonus casino | golden temple slot | crown casino bavet | game khu rung bi an | 2vn |