Indiana Black Expo Education ConferenceMY NOTES ~ REGARDING ALTERNATIVES TO REDUCE SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS

PLENARY SESSION, JULY 16, 2015

Questions to Address

1) Who is suspended/expelled?

2) Do suspensions rates vary by grade, race/ethnicity, gender?

3) Are their differences among these subgroups within different district categories

4) Why are students being suspended/expelled? What types of incidents are resulting in suspensions/expulsions?

6) What does the data say regarding the rate of suspensions?

7) What is working in your School Districts?

11) How do you Promote Equity in Student Engagement and Success?

Definitions --- (Maybe have them explain) -- Example: •Removal “means an exclusion from a classroom for all or part of a single class period, provided such exclusion shall not extend beyond ninety minutes.” •In-school suspension “means an exclusion from regular classroom activity for no more than ten consecutive school days, but not exclusion from school…” •Out-of-School suspension “means an exclusion from school privileges or from transportation services only for no more than ten consecutive school days…” •Expulsion “means an exclusion from school privileges for more than ten consecutive school days

Why Students are Suspended at MCS

Top Reasons for Suspensions HS MS

Defiance/Insubordination 45% 30%

Disruptive Behavior 2.7%19.5%

Verbal Aggression/ Profanity 9.4% 7.7%

Tardies 23%N/A

Fighting 3.5%7.8%

Drugs 0%0.1%

Weapons 0%0%

Totals 11681024

Who is suspended & expelled

Black Males White Males Other Males Black Females White Females Other Females0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

35.00

40.00

2014-2015 HS Referral Data

% of Referrals % of Population

How long do suspensions and expulsions last?

Most suspensions last one day or less

Some last up to ten days

Expulsions are generally two steps

Expelled and held in abeyance based upon good performance at Alternative School

Expelled for a semester

My previous experience two calendar year suspensions for weapons or selling drugs

What is working in your School Districts?

Digital learning: Not just tablets but a more rich digital curriculum that allows for differentiation and significant student choice on assignments

From NBMS report to the Board 3/2014: We were hoping to see an increase in student motivation and engagement. As

measured by discipline referrals, detentions and suspensions, we have been extremely successful. Last year’s seventh graders saw 138 infractions to this point in the year. This year the seventh graders have had 28 infractions. In comparison, this year’s 8th graders have had 117 infractions. That is a reduction of nearly 80%.

Absence rates were also reduced with student absences down 46%.

Homework completion rates increased significantly. 59% to 76%

Work to ensure grades are based upon academic achievement and NOT tied to attendance and/or behavior

By Student from SMS

What is working in your School Districts? (cont.)

PBIS – Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Tries to teach and reinforce positive behaviors instead

of only punishing negative behavior

Similar in concept to Response to Intervention (RtI)

San Jose Unified School District - overview

http://www.sjusd.org/student-services/pbis/what-is-pbis/

PBIS Site & Equity Information

https://www.pbis.org/

https://www.pbis.org/school/equity-pbis

MCS is currently implementing PBIS in multiple schools

Carl Boyd’s concept:

“Nobody rises to low expectations”

Restorative Discipline

Another approach, similar to PBIS is that of Restorative Discipline or Restorative Justice

“4 Ps Approach:

Person

Place

Practice

Plan

Involving Parents ~ some examples

We required a parent to attend every reentry conference after a suspension

We gave students incentives to have their parents attend open houses, conferences, etc.

Had monthly open parent meetings for them to address issues/concerns with administrators

Encouraged parents to utilize online grade books, etc.

Contacted parents to set up “team conferences” with most at risk students at MS and HS levels

Required parent contact prior to giving a D or F grade