Missing class time for any reason has a negative impact on student achievement – and this includes time missed when a student is suspended or expelled from school. Research shows that these exclusionary discipline practices can also increase both the risk of dropping out and the likelihood of future involvement with the criminal justice system. Because of disparities in use of school discipline, these consequences disproportionately affect students of color and students with disabilities (1).
Communities In Schools advocates for a shift in our approach to school discipline that addresses the underlying issues that affect student behavior so teachers can focus on teaching. When students are empowered with the appropriate supports to address the multiple barriers they may face and are provided with the necessary social emotional skills to self-regulate behavior, the need for disciplinary referrals can be reduced. This also improves the overall climate of a school (2). Thanks to this approach, 83% of our case-managed students met their behavior goals last school year (3).
Sources:
1 U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, 2014 Civil Rights Data Collection: Data Snapshot (School Discipline)
2 The Aspen Institute, National Commission on Social, Emotional and Academic Development, Caring Communities: Linking School Culture and Student Development
3 Communities In Schools, 2020-21 Data Book
School Safety Policy Brief
Every young person needs and deserves a safe place to learn and grow. Our school-based coordinators bring the right community resources into schools to ensure that school environments are safe and inclusive of all students. Working with teachers and school leaders, Communities In Schools site coordinators implement key initiatives that improve school climate, resolve conflicts and prevent violence, and help students cope with trauma. In this policy brief, we’ve made recommendations to lawmakers about improving school climate.
