School Suspensions.

School suspensions that are related to behavior can be prevented with Positive Action. A student has to commit a serious rule violation for school leaders to consider suspension. When behavior problems become serious enough to warrant a suspension, a school is often faced with serious challenges.

Addressing the underlying challenges becomes difficult, as the issues are often intertwined and difficult to delineate. At their root is often a poor school climate and student disengagement. Efforts should focus on improving conditions to better engage students.

A common response to severe classroom behavior problems is to focus on a particular group of troublesome students or a specific classroom. This approach is ineffective if no effort is made to improve the overall school climate. Coordinated efforts are required to change the culture; eventually, suspensions and other punitive responses will not be necessary.

Positive Action is the catalyst educators need to develop a positive school climate, transform their school and reduce suspensions.