Positive school discipline: A comprehensive framework built from safe schools/healthy students best practices

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that suspensions and expulsions in U.S. schools have not only increased dramatically since the advent of zero-tolerance laws, but have also disproportionately affected African American students and students with disabilities. Significance: The short-and long-term costs of schools' over-reliance on suspension and expulsion include rising rates of academic failure and dropout, escalating behavioral problems, increased risk of violence and substance abuse, and a dangerous pathway from schools to the juvenile justice system—all significant public health issues. Purpose, Methodology: This session provides a comprehensive framework for positive school discipline based on interviews of Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) communities describing their implementation of the key components of positive school discipline. Findings: Federally funded SS/HS communities have achieved positive outcomes for youth by employing comprehensive supportive school discipline programs and practices that enhance school safety without increasing suspensions and expulsions. SS/HS sites' findings related to implementation of positive school discipline include decreases in truancy rates, office referrals, suspensions, and expulsions. Specific school-based data show decreases in violence-related suspensions and expulsions. Recommendations/Conclusion: Based on SS/HS communities' experiences implementing systemic positive discipline practices, four indispensable components for creating supportive learning environments are recommended: collaborative partnerships, data-based decision-making, system-wide use of evidence-based programs and practices, and engaging families as partners. By integrating these four components, school and community partnerships can successfully implement positive discipline best practices that help all students achieve healthy, productive lives.