 |
| http://www.otlcampaign.org/ |
Addressing the Out-of-School Suspension Crisis
While overly harsh school discipline policies can affect all students, they have disproportionately impacted students of color. In the past few years, numerous reports and studies have highlighted the racial disparities in school suspension and expulsion as well as their negative impact on student achievement.
One of the main contributors to the increase in student out-of-school time and decreased learning time is often state and district approaches to discipline. Local policymakers have a critical role to play in reshaping classroom, district and community discipline practices and policies to create safe and supportive learning environments that (1) reduce out-of-school time, (2) provide better supports to teachers and administrators to address disciplinary challenges, and (3) engage parents, students, and community-based organizations in the development and implementation of more educationally sound and equitable policies and practices.
NSBA, in collaboration with the National Opportunity to Learn Campaign, has created a policy guide for school board members that will help them develop positive alternatives to out-of-school suspension. This policy guide provides information on the adverse impact that out of school suspension has on academic achievement, especially as it relates to students of color and those with disabilities. In addition, the guide provides examples of strategies that school boards have used to promote student growth through positive school discipline reform models.
Participating Organizations
Council of Urban Boards of Education
National Black Caucus of School Board Members
National Caucus of American Indian/Alaska Native School Board Members
National Hispanic Caucus of School Board Members
National Opportunity to Learn Campaign
National School Boards Association
Opportunity Action
Solutions Not Suspensions
 |
| http://www.otlcampaign.org/ |
