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.

See also: student discipline, restorative practices