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Alternatives to Suspension

Three types of approaches can be described as alternatives to suspension: 1. Approaches that change the response of schools to student misbehavior; i.e. a shift from using suspension as a response to using an in-school practice that aims to address the root cause of the misbehavior and help students avoid future misconduct (restorative practices, counseling or treatment, mentoring, community service, etc.) 2. Approaches that focus on supporting individual school staff members to develop skills in behavior management, de-escalation or recognizing personal biases; and 3. School-wide approaches that aim to improve school climate or establish structures for teaching and reinforcing positive behavioral expectations.

11-14 of 14 Results

Title	Document Type
DRC Documents
SPARK Approach to Positive School Climate Guide and toolkit for Sacramento's comprehensive school climate model which intertwines principles of restorative disciplinary practices, social and emotional learning, and PBIS. Includes details on school teaming and training. SOURCE: Sacramento City Unified School District TAGS PBIS alternatives to suspension anti-bias board policies toolkit relationship skills SEL coaching for staff equity implementation plan restorative practices culture and climate building community student discipline youth voice
Restorative Practices: Fostering Healthy Relationships & Promoting Positive Discipline in Schools Definitions and demonstrations of the impact of restorative practices with guidance for implementing at the classroom and school level, sponsored by the NEA and AFT. SOURCE: University/Nonprofit Research Institution TAGS classroom management alternatives to suspension security staff toolkit social awareness relationship skills responsible decision making reading lists - staff equity restorative practices classroom level culture and climate building community student discipline
Restorative Practices: Day-Long Training to Deepen School Practice Sacramento City's interactive introduction to classroom-based restorative practices for a teacher audience, covering concepts of the social discipline window, fair process, affective language, restorative questions, and circles. SOURCE: Sacramento City Unified School District TAGS classroom management alternatives to suspension social awareness relationship skills responsible decision making equity teacher training restorative practices advisory/homeroom classroom level building community student discipline professional learning
In Oakland, Reinventing School Policing Article and video about Oakland schools' partnership with police and special SEL training for school-based officers. SOURCE: Oakland Unified School District TAGS community partnerships alternatives to suspension anti-bias SEL partnerships relationship skills restorative practices building community student discipline

DRC Documents