Rethinking School Discipline: Why Suspensions Fail Students

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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The Academic Impact of Suspensions

Suspensions inflict considerable academic damage, pushing students further behind and jeopardizing their future educational attainment.

Missed Instruction and Falling Grades

School suspensions directly translate to missed instruction, leaving students struggling to keep up with their peers.

• Lost instructional time: A single suspension can mean missing days of crucial lessons, leaving gaps in understanding that are difficult to bridge.
• Difficulty catching up on missed work: Even with make-up assignments, the disruption to the learning process makes it challenging for students to fully regain lost ground.
• Negative impact on GPA: Accumulated missed work and lowered test scores due to disrupted learning directly impact grade point average, potentially hindering college applications and future opportunities. This impact on academic achievement is particularly detrimental to already at-risk students.

Increased Risk of Dropping Out

A disturbing correlation exists between school suspensions and increased school dropout rates. The cycle of exclusion and punishment created by frequent suspensions often leads to disengagement and ultimately, leaving school altogether.

• Statistics on suspension and dropout rates: Research consistently demonstrates a strong link between suspension and higher dropout rates, especially among marginalized student populations.
• The cycle of exclusion and its effects: Repeated suspensions create a sense of alienation and disconnection from the school community, making it harder for students to succeed and increasing the likelihood of dropping out. This impacts educational attainment long-term.

The Social and Emotional Impact of Suspensions

Beyond academic consequences, school suspensions inflict significant damage on students' social and emotional well-being.

Damage to Student-Teacher Relationships

Suspensions severely strain the crucial student-teacher relationship, creating a barrier to future learning and support.

• Lost trust: Suspension often leads to a breakdown of trust between student and teacher, making it harder for the student to seek help or guidance in the future.
• Difficulty seeking help from teachers: Students may feel ashamed or afraid to approach teachers after a suspension, hindering their ability to address academic or emotional challenges.
• Increased feelings of alienation: The experience of being removed from the school community can leave students feeling isolated, rejected, and resentful. This negatively impacts the classroom environment.

Increased Behavioral Problems

Contrary to their intended purpose, suspensions can actually exacerbate behavioral issues. Removing a student from a supportive learning environment does little to address the underlying causes of misbehavior.

• The lack of support and intervention during suspension: Suspension provides no opportunity for intervention or support, leaving students vulnerable to negative influences and further behavioral problems.
• The potential for increased negative peer influence: Time spent away from school can expose students to negative peer groups, potentially worsening behavioral challenges. Effective behavioral interventions are crucial.

Mental Health Implications

The emotional toll of suspension is substantial, contributing to feelings of shame, isolation, anxiety, and depression.

• Statistics linking suspensions to mental health issues: Studies have shown a strong link between suspension and increased rates of mental health problems among students.
• The importance of restorative justice practices: Restorative justice provides a more supportive approach, focusing on repairing harm and promoting reconciliation, which is critical for student mental health. Trauma-informed care is equally important.

More Effective Alternatives to Suspensions

Fortunately, a growing body of research highlights more effective and humane approaches to school discipline.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm caused by misbehavior, involving all stakeholders in a process of dialogue and reconciliation.

• Examples of restorative circles: Restorative circles bring together the student, victim, and other community members to discuss the impact of the misbehavior and develop solutions together.
• Mediation techniques: Mediation provides a structured process for resolving conflicts peacefully and collaboratively. Conflict resolution skills are key here.
• Examples of restorative conferences: These offer a structured opportunity for students to take responsibility for their actions and make amends.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach that focuses on preventing misbehavior through positive reinforcement and clear expectations.

• Examples of school-wide behavior expectations: Clearly defined expectations create a consistent and predictable environment.
• Positive reinforcement systems: Rewarding positive behaviors reinforces desired actions and creates a positive school climate.
• Functional behavioral assessments: These assessments identify the underlying causes of misbehavior to develop individualized support plans. These help with student behavior management.

Trauma-Informed Approaches

Recognizing that many students come to school with past trauma experiences significantly impacts their behavior. Trauma-informed approaches prioritize creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

• Examples of trauma-informed classrooms: These classrooms provide a sense of safety, predictability, and connection.
• Creating a safe and supportive learning environment: A supportive school environment helps students feel safe and secure, allowing them to focus on learning. This is vital for student well-being.

Conclusion

School suspensions are a demonstrably ineffective disciplinary method that negatively impacts students academically, socially, and emotionally. By rethinking school suspensions and implementing alternative discipline strategies, such as restorative justice, PBIS, and trauma-informed approaches, we can create a more supportive and effective learning environment for all students. Let’s advocate for changes in school discipline policies, promoting the adoption of more effective and humane approaches that prioritize student well-being. By moving away from suspensions as a primary disciplinary tool and embracing these alternative strategies, we can foster a more equitable and successful educational experience for every child, building a brighter future for all.