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

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.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

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

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.

The Positive Impacts of Computer Science: What Every Teacher and Administrator Should Know

After working as both a teacher and an administrator, I know how much of a difference it can make when school leaders truly appreciate the power of computer science.

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.
mơ thấy rắn to | tải shopee | insufficient attunement slots dark souls 3 | giờ reset cầu thủ fo4 | online slot machines that pay real money | trollstore | galaxy s7 sd slot | chat zalo me trên điện thoại | fargo casino | extra chilli slot | kq100 | candy jackpot slot machine | casino back room | nhạc karaoke hay | red flag fleet slot | zalo chat | mơ thấy tiền đánh con gì | cách viết thư upu năm 2023 | thủ thuật quay slot | lacxoi | mesin slot | express card slot | casino buffet prices | casino with poker | james bond casino royale | cambodia casino | giant panda slot | ag sbobet | crank and slotted link | slot 999 online | slotted metal bar | huong dan tai xuat kich | 2vn | best online casino in new zealand | xiaomi mi 8 lite sim card slot | jungle jackpots slot | rolling hills casino hotel | hybrid slot | thuyết minh về một danh lam thắng cảnh | top 10 online casino | win 88 casino | free mobile casino slots | canon 2900 driver 32 bit | xingtu là gì | happyluke slot game căn phòng vui vẻ | golden grimoire slot | hanoi casino | chó sủa là chó không cắn | jackpot giant slot | casino geant | slotted angle furniture | dàn đề 36 số nuôi 3 ngày | gren | titan casino bonus code | beste casino app | neteller slots | slots top up by phone bill | thần ẩn tập 15 | gem slot | mannhantv | xổ số ngày 27 tháng 6 | free casino bonus |