Baltimore Sun Article: Suspension
The article details a state-wide approach to reducing suspensions and overturning the zero tolerance approach in schools. It particularly reference the notion that zero tolerance was heavily used in the last decade (2000s) to reduce crime and stabilize tough schools. Currently, Baltimore County has one of the highest suspension rates in the state of Maryland. Moving forward, the state has decided to pressure school districts to revise their Code of Conducts to the point that it would be hard for schools to suspend for issues unless they are violent or extremely dangerous. This is the result of a 15 year old who was long-term suspended and missed a whole year of school. Therefore, to reduce this type of disposition, schools would have to develop alternatives to suspension.
This makes me think about my school and how our suspension rate this school year is very high. The only strategy that we have is detention and Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS). I feel these are ineffective and really do not curve behaviors. I do believe schools should suspend students who show consistent negative behaviors, but I believe we must create solutions that empower our students and. It disempower them. Education is an avenue of support for students, but if the institution of learning works as a prison then we are doomed. What can be done? Well, learn your students, develop strong mentoring programs, engage student's through programs such as athletics, and remain consistent with consequences. The solution isn't easy or always fast, but changing the way schools think is half the battle.
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Suspension is a touchy subject in Baltimore City as well. Dr. Alonso has made it clear that principals are responsible for their suspension rates, and that he wants fewer kids on the streets. However, I have seen schools unofficially suspending students to get around this provision through "mandatory parent conferences." A mandatory parent conference requires that a student bring a parent to school before he or she can return to class. Since most parents cannot drop everything and come to school immediately, the mandatory conference has the effect of removing the student from school for several days. Hence, it serves the same purpose as a suspension. Perhaps I am cynical, but I don't think handcuffing principals by pressuring them not to suspend will help the situation much. Instead, we may see an increase in unofficial suspensions. Or, schools will get creative about other consequences they can rely on besides suspension (the better option, although maybe not the most probable).
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