Safety Without Suspensions

Disruptive behavior consistently tops the list of teachers' and parents' concerns about education. In an effort to address this concern, many U.S. schools began adopting zero-tolerance policies in the 1990s, which led to substantial increases in out-of-school suspensions and expulsions (Wald & Losen, 2003). These policies have sparked controversy because of racial disparities in suspension and expulsion rates as well as incidents in which students have been suspended or expelled for seemingly trivial infractions, such as making a paper gun (American Psychological Association, 2006). In today's climate, principals seem to face a tough choice between keeping their school safe and ensuring that all students have continued educational opportunity.

But do these two goals have to be mutually exclusive? If, as research suggests, exclusionary, zero-tolerance approaches to school discipline are not the best way to create a safe climate, how can school leaders maintain discipline and safety? School-wide Positive Behavior Support is one effective, positive approach.

Exclusionary Approaches to Discipline