Alternatives To Suspension
Alternatives To Suspension
Why should I do it?
- Suspending kids is very unproductive for academics
- Some kids get suspended on purpose to get out of work or away from something they do not want to cope or deal with
- Suspensions are not an effective deterrent for many kids, who do not see it as a significant consequence or negative stimulus
- Providing alternatives to suspensions can be much more effective in getting students’ behavior to change
- There are many alternatives that motivate students better than suspending them
When should I do it?
- When a student gets into trouble and suspended frequently
- When a student is trying to get suspended on purpose or to get out of something
- When students really need the instruction but a consequence or discipline is warranted
- When suspensions do not seem to be doing anything and are ineffective
How do I do it?
- There are various alternatives to suspension and ways to carry them out
- Always use a neutral tone and do not allow yourself to be drawn into power struggles
- Alternatives may be discussed with a student or students before implementing them
- Some common alternatives include
- in-school suspension
- mini course
- parent supervision
- counseling
- community service
- behavior monitoring
- restitution
- problem solving or behavior contract
- alternative programming
- loss of privileges
- time out
- detention
- mentoring
- behavioral contracts
- send homes
- referral to community mental health services
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