NCJ Number
168484
Journal
School Safety (Fall 1997) Volume: Issue: Dated: Pages: 8-11
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Student suspension and expulsion are often necessary, but they are not the only means of dealing with student problem behaviors; schools must show they can create more substantive answers to student misbehavior than isolation and punishment.
Abstract
The number of students being suspended or expelled from U.S. schools is currently the highest ever. Students who typically dropped out of school in the past are now staying in school, and some of these students have both academic and behavioral difficulties in school. Schools often do not have proper and sufficient resources to provide individualized tutoring and special instruction for students who fall behind. This is especially true at the elementary level. The result is that by the time students reach secondary school, failing students act out and are often disciplined by suspension or expulsion from school. Alternative solutions must be found. Many cities and suburban areas are experimenting with alternative education programs that provide small group instruction, drug prevention and intervention services from outside agencies, counseling services for the emotionally disturbed, assistance with employment, incentive programs for staying in school, and many other creative solutions to encourage students to stay in school. Alternative education programs provide a path back to the regular school. Such programs provide a second chance and a new start. They are models that should be shared and encouraged. 10 notes