When it comes to doling out discipline to misbehaving students, there seems to be more questions than answers:
- When is it appropriate to suspend or expel students?
- Why are students of color more likely to get harsher punishment that can propel them to the criminal justice system?
- Are alternatives, such as restorative justice, helping students learn how to change their behavior, or are they making classrooms more dangerous?
This edition of Eye on Education, a quarterly series of special sections produced by The Bee, takes a close look at school disciplinary procedures, alternatives to suspensions and expulsions that include restorative justice, campus policing and teacher training.
Over the past two years, Eye on Education has examined school funding formulas, career technology, special education, English learners and other issues.
The Valley continues to face many challenges in educating youngsters who someday will be the workforce fueling the region’s economic engine. Facing these challenges, and helping to find solutions, is everyone’s responsibility.