Steve Burns – WMAL
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) After four years of decreasing rates, the 2014-2015 school year saw an increase in the rate of public school suspensions and expulsions in Northern Virginia, according to the Legal Aid Justice Center.
“Half of suspensions were for cell phone disruptions, defiance, insubordination, and disrespect, not for any sort of violent offense,” Legal Aid Justice Center Fellow Becky Wolozin told WMAL. “They’re disproportionately issued to male students, African-American students, and students with disabilities.”
Their study showed Stafford Schools with the highest rate of suspension and expulsion in Northern Virginia, with 5.65% of students getting suspended at some point. Fredericksburg and Prince William Schools weren’t far behind. Loudoun County Schools had the lowest rate in the region, at 0.87%.
Wolozin said some school districts are beginning to transition away from these traditional methods of discipline. Alternative modes are being explored, including counseling, community service, and increased parent involvement.
“Studies have shown that suspensions and expulsions don’t help students,” Wolozin said. “But they do increase the likelihood of a student dropping out.”
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