The Negative Impact Of School Suspensions On Student Outcomes

Omar Yusuf

6 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Every year, millions of students in the United States are suspended from school. This staggering statistic, disproportionately impacting marginalized groups, highlights a critical issue: the detrimental effects of school suspensions on student outcomes. While suspension might seem like a simple disciplinary measure, its negative impact extends far beyond the immediate consequence of missed classes. This article will delve into the academic, social-emotional, and long-term consequences of school suspensions, exploring the devastating contribution to the school-to-prison pipeline and advocating for effective alternative strategies.

Academic Consequences of School Suspensions

Keywords: Academic achievement, grades, test scores, graduation rates, learning loss, missed instruction.

School suspensions directly and negatively impact academic achievement. The time missed from school translates into missed instruction, leading to a cascade of negative consequences.

• Missed classes and coursework leading to falling grades: Students who are suspended miss crucial lessons, assignments, and tests, resulting in significantly lower grades across the board. This cumulative effect can be devastating, particularly for students already struggling academically.
• Disruption of learning continuity and difficulty catching up: Even upon return to school, suspended students often face difficulty catching up on missed material. The disruption to their learning trajectory creates a significant academic disadvantage.
• Negative impact on standardized test scores and overall GPA: Missed instruction and the stress associated with suspension often manifest as lower scores on standardized tests, further impacting college applications and future opportunities. A declining GPA can limit future educational and career paths.
• Increased risk of dropping out of school and lower graduation rates: The cumulative effect of academic setbacks caused by repeated suspensions can lead to feelings of frustration and disengagement, significantly increasing the likelihood of dropping out of school and reducing graduation rates.
• Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between suspensions and poor academic outcomes. Research consistently shows a link between higher suspension rates and lower graduation rates, emphasizing the severity of this disciplinary approach.

Social and Emotional Impact of School Suspensions

Keywords: Social-emotional learning, mental health, behavioral issues, self-esteem, trauma, school climate.

Beyond the academic realm, school suspensions severely damage students' social and emotional well-being. The experience often leaves lasting scars.

• Increased feelings of isolation, shame, and alienation: Suspension isolates students from their peers and support networks, fostering feelings of shame and alienation. This isolation can exacerbate existing mental health challenges and increase the risk of future behavioral problems.
• Damage to self-esteem and sense of belonging: The punitive nature of suspension undermines students' self-esteem and sense of belonging within the school community. They may feel rejected and undervalued, impacting their overall self-perception.
• Exacerbation of existing mental health challenges: For students already grappling with mental health issues, suspension can trigger or worsen symptoms, leading to a downward spiral. The lack of support during this period can have long-term detrimental effects.
• Increased risk of future behavioral problems and delinquency: Feeling alienated and unsupported, suspended students might be more likely to engage in future behavioral problems or delinquency. The cycle of suspension and negative consequences can become self-perpetuating.
• Contribution to a negative school climate and lack of trust in authority figures: Frequent suspensions contribute to a negative school climate characterized by fear and distrust. Students may lose faith in authority figures and feel unsupported by their educational environment.

The School-to-Prison Pipeline and the Long-Term Effects of Suspensions

Keywords: School-to-prison pipeline, juvenile justice system, criminal justice involvement, recidivism, long-term consequences.

School suspensions significantly contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, a disturbing trend linking school disciplinary practices to involvement in the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems.

• Increased likelihood of contact with the juvenile justice system: Students with a history of suspensions are more likely to encounter the juvenile justice system, even for minor offenses. This contact can have profound and lasting repercussions.
• Higher rates of incarceration and recidivism among students with a history of suspensions: Research consistently shows a correlation between school suspensions and higher rates of incarceration and recidivism. The early exposure to the justice system increases the likelihood of future involvement.
• Limited opportunities for education and employment after involvement with the justice system: A criminal record significantly limits future educational and employment opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and hindering social mobility.
• The disproportionate impact of suspensions on minority students and students with disabilities: Minority students and students with disabilities are disproportionately affected by school suspensions, highlighting systemic biases and inequities within the educational system.
• Alternative disciplinary strategies: Implementing restorative justice practices, focusing on repairing harm and fostering reconciliation, can disrupt this cycle.

Effective Alternatives to School Suspensions

Keywords: Restorative justice, positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), conflict resolution, social-emotional learning programs, disciplinary reform.

Fortunately, evidence-based alternatives to suspensions exist that promote positive school climates and student success.

• Restorative justice practices: These practices focus on repairing harm and fostering reconciliation between the offender, the victim, and the community, promoting accountability and healing.
• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS): PBIS is a proactive approach to discipline that emphasizes teaching positive behaviors and preventing problem behaviors before they occur.
• Conflict resolution skills training: Equipping students and staff with conflict resolution skills can significantly reduce the need for punitive disciplinary measures.
• Comprehensive social-emotional learning programs: These programs teach students crucial social-emotional skills, such as self-regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution, leading to improved behavior and reduced disciplinary incidents.
• Investing in counseling and mental health services within schools: Providing readily accessible mental health support can address the underlying issues contributing to disruptive behaviors.

Conclusion

The significant negative impact of school suspensions on students' academic performance, social-emotional well-being, and long-term prospects cannot be overstated. Suspensions contribute to the destructive school-to-prison pipeline, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and limiting opportunities for marginalized communities. Systemic change is urgently needed. Reducing reliance on suspensions and adopting effective alternatives like restorative justice, PBIS, and social-emotional learning programs are crucial for creating safer, more supportive, and equitable learning environments for all students. We must advocate for policy changes and increased funding for these strategies. Learn more about the devastating effects of school suspensions and get involved in advocating for positive change within your communities and schools. Let's work together to eliminate the harmful impact of school suspensions and replace them with effective strategies that promote student success and well-being. Let's transform disciplinary practices and build schools where every student thrives.