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
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DRC Resources |
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Chicago Student Code of Conduct (video) This short video helps students and their families understand Chicago's student code of conduct and highlights the district's SEL-infused approach to student discipline. SOURCE: Chicago Public Schools |
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A Restorative Approach to Discipline (video) From Chicago Public Schools' Office of Social and Emotional Learning, this video illustrates how restorative disciplinary practices have transformed school climate and relationships in 3 schools. SOURCE: Chicago Public Schools |
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Chicago Public Schools Restorative Practices Guide and Toolkit A comprehensive mini-book that includes activities, lesson plans, and printable templates and tools to implement restorative practices, intended to be used along with other coaching and training. SOURCE: Chicago Public Schools |
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Peer Conferencing Class Teaches How to Resolve Conflict This article from the Chicago Public Schools blog describes a high school course where students learn to resolve conflict through restorative practices and provide an additional option for responding to disciplinary incidents. SOURCE: Chicago Public Schools |
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