What is In School Suspension: Understanding the Purpose and Impact

In-school suspension (ISS) is a form of disciplinary action that keeps students in school, but separates them from the general student population. It is designed to provide an alternative to traditional out-of-school suspension, which is seen as potentially harmful to students by removing them from the learning environment.

What is In-School Suspension?

During in-school suspension, students typically remain on school grounds but are separated from their regular classes. They may be placed in a designated classroom or an alternative location, such as a library or resource room, where they can complete their schoolwork independently or under supervision. They may also be required to participate in additional activities such as counseling, mentoring, or community service.

The purpose of in-school suspension is to provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their behavior and the consequences of their actions, while also allowing them to continue their education. It is often used as a disciplinary measure for minor infractions, such as disruption of class, tardiness, or dress code violations, rather than more serious offenses such as violence or possession of drugs or weapons.

ISS can have some benefits over traditional out-of-school suspension, such as:

• Keeping students in the learning environment and avoiding the academic setback that can occur with long-term suspension.
• Providing students with the opportunity to reflect on their behavior and learn from their mistakes
• Reducing the number of students who are suspended and keeping them in school, which is beneficial to both the student and the school community.
• Providing additional support and guidance to help students improve their behavior

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of in-school suspension can vary depending on the school and the student. It requires a well-designed plan, effective supervision, and adequate resources for students’ academic and social-emotional needs. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the disciplinary measures are fair, consistent, and align with the school’s overall discipline and behavior management policies.

The Pros and Cons of In-School Suspension

In-school suspension is a disciplinary measure that involves keeping students within the school premises while serving their suspension period. This approach has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the pros of in-school suspension is that it allows students to remain in an educational setting, which minimizes disruptions to their academic progress. They can continue to engage with teachers, receive instruction, and complete assignments, reducing the risk of falling behind in their studies. In-school suspension also provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their behavior and learn from their mistakes while still being in a structured environment.

However, there are also some cons associated with in-school suspension. One drawback is that it may not address the underlying issues that led to the disciplinary action. Students may not fully grasp the consequences of their actions if they are allowed to remain in a familiar and comfortable setting. Additionally, in-school suspension may not provide sufficient support or resources to address behavioral issues, which can hinder long-term behavior change.

How In-School Suspension Affects Students

In-school suspension can have various impacts on students, both positive and negative. On the positive side, it can serve as a deterrent for future misbehavior. Experiencing the consequences of their actions within the school environment may make students think twice before engaging in disruptive or inappropriate behavior again.

In-school suspension can also provide an opportunity for individualized attention and support. Students who are serving in-school suspension may have more one-on-one time with teachers or counselors, allowing for targeted interventions and addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to the misconduct. This personalized attention can foster positive relationships and promote personal growth.

However, in-school suspension may also have negative effects on students. It can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, or stigmatization, especially if other students are aware of the reason for the suspension. This can impact their self-esteem and social interactions. Moreover, the missed classroom instruction and reduced interaction with peers during in-school suspension can potentially affect academic progress and engagement.

Alternatives to In-School Suspension

Recognizing the limitations of in-school suspension, educators and school administrators have been exploring alternative disciplinary approaches. These alternatives aim to address behavioral issues while promoting positive behavior and academic success. Some examples of alternatives to in-school suspension include:

1. Restorative Practices: Restorative practices focus on repairing relationships and restoring harm caused by misconduct. This approach involves facilitating dialogues between the student, those affected by their actions, and relevant school staff to find resolutions and rebuild trust.
2. Peer Mediation: Peer mediation programs involve trained student mediators who help facilitate discussions between students involved in conflicts or disputes. This approach encourages empathy, communication skills, and conflict resolution techniques.
3. Behavior Intervention Plans: Behavior intervention plans (BIPs) are individualized strategies designed to address specific behavioral challenges of students. BIPs typically involve setting clear expectations, implementing positive reinforcement, and providing necessary supports or interventions to help students succeed.
4. Counseling and Support Services: Providing access to counseling and support services can help students address underlying emotional, social, or behavioral issues. These services can assist students in developing coping mechanisms, improving self-regulation skills, and fostering healthy relationships.

How to Deal with a Student Who is Suspended

When dealing with a student who is suspended, it is important to approach the situation with care and consideration. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Maintain Open Communication: Establish open lines of communication with the student, their parents or guardians, and relevant school staff. This ensures that everyone is aware of the situation, understands expectations moving forward, and can provide necessary support.
2. Provide Clear Guidance: Clearly communicate the reasons for the suspension, the expectations during and after the suspension period, and any steps the student can take to address the situation. Provide resources or referrals tosupport services if needed.
3. Re-engage the Student: Help the student transition back into the school environment smoothly. Provide opportunities for them to catch up on missed work, seek clarification on academic content, and reintegrate into social activities.
4. Offer Additional Support: Identify any underlying issues that may have contributed to the misconduct and provide appropriate support or referrals. This could involve connecting the student with counseling services, behavior intervention plans, or other interventions as needed.
5. Foster a Positive School Climate: Create a supportive and inclusive school climate that promotes positive behavior and provides resources for students to address conflicts or challenges. Encourage restorative practices, peer mediation, and other proactive approaches to address behavioral issues before they escalate.

By taking a proactive and supportive approach, educators and school administrators can help students learn from their mistakes, develop positive behaviors, and create a conducive learning environment for all students.

In conclusion, in-school suspension is a disciplinary measure that comes with its own set of pros and cons. While it allows students to remain in an educational setting and provides an opportunity for reflection and support, it may not address underlying issues and can potentially have negative effects on students’ self-esteem and academic progress.

As educators and school administrators, it is crucial to explore alternatives to in-school suspension that focus on restorative practices, peer mediation, behavior intervention plans, and counseling services. By implementing these alternatives, schools can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that promotes positive behavior and helps students address conflicts and challenges effectively.

Dealing with a student who is suspended requires open communication, clear guidance, and additional support to ensure a smooth transition back into the school community. By fostering a positive school climate and providing resources for students, educators can contribute to their personal growth, academic success, and overall well-being.

Ultimately, the goal should be to create a safe and nurturing learning environment where students can learn from their mistakes, develop positive behaviors, and thrive both academically and socially. By continuously evaluating and improving disciplinary practices, schools can ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and succeed.