About
Out-of-school suspensions cut classroom time for those who need it most.
Every year, 3.3 million students in the United States are suspended from school, causing them to miss critical learning time, as well as opportunities to grow and succeed.
Recent federal data show that Black and Latino students and students with disabilities are disproportionately targeted by suspensions. They are also likely to be punished more severely than white students for minor misbehavior, contributing to the achievement gap and high dropout rates for these students.
Solutions Not Suspensions is calling for a nationwide moratorium on out-of-school suspensions.
To implement this moratorium, Solutions Not Suspensions, a grassroots initiative of students, educators, parents, and community leaders, is calling on states and districts to support teachers and schools in dealing with discipline in positive ways – keeping students in the classroom and helping educators work with students and parents to create safe and engaging classrooms that protect the human rights to education and dignity.
There are solutions.
Solutions Not Suspensions promotes proven programs that equip teachers and school administrators with effective alternatives to suspensions. In support of this initiative, the Dignity in Schools Campaign is releasing a set of model school discipline policies that provide guidelines to help districts and schools implement the moratorium and phase in positive alternatives. Solutions Not Suspensions's website will serve as a clearinghouse for information on effective alternatives to suspension and give supporters an opportunity to add their voice to the call for a moratorium.
ABOUT DIGNITY IN SCHOOLS CAMPAIGN
The Dignity in Schools Campaign (DSC) challenges the systemic problem of pushout in our nation's schools and advocates for the human right of every child to a quality education and to be treated with dignity. The DSC unites parents, youth, educators and advocates in a campaign to promote local and national alternatives to a culture of zero-tolerance, punishment and removal.
The DSC started more than five years ago when local grassroots and advocacy groups fighting to end school pushout came together to share information and strategies and build a common framework for dignity and human rights in our schools. In 2009, DSC held its first national conference, released the National Resolution for Ending School Pushout, and shared the first draft of a Model School Code based on fundamental human rights principles. Since 2010, DSC has held an annual National Week of Action on School Pushout and a series of Days at the Capitol, engaging groups around the country in collective advocacy to impact federal law and policy.
The DSC has now grown into a multi-stakeholder coalition of more than 50 organizations from 18 states and Washington, DC, which strives to ensure that those most affected by the education system and school pushout are at the center of our work and leadership structures. DSC’s Membership is structured to create a space for all to both contribute to the work and to benefit from the collective advancements of the coalition and local successes of its members.
Visit www.dignityinschools.org to learn more!
ABOUT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN CAMPAIGN
The OTL Campaign is a national movement to create a stronger, safer, more prosperous America now by closing the opportunity gap in public education. The campaign connects advocates across the country to ensure every child’s fundamental civil right to a high-quality public school education, regardless of where they live.
The OTL Campaign seeks systemic policy change at the local, state and federal levels to hold our nation’s elected officials and education leaders accountable for providing every child access to four research-proven resources that are necessary to have a fair and substantive opportunity to learn:
High-quality early childhood education – Research confirms that high-quality preschool education programs are a vital component of achieving grade level reading by 3rd grade and high school graduation. The slogan “Ready for kindergarten, ready for college” captures the importance of this highly leveraged investment in a child’s academic future.
Highly prepared and effective teachers – Studies show that access to a well-prepared, highly effective teacher – one who has strong content and pedagogy expertise and classroom experience – can significantly improve student achievement.
College preparatory curriculum – All students deserve access to a college preparatory curriculum that prepares them to thrive in college, career and as citizens.
Equitable instructional materials and policies – Education researchers agree that certain instructional resources – including technology, books and other learning tools – improve teaching and contribute to positive student outcomes. Further, schools should use judgment to implement positive discipline policies that contribute to aiding students’ education rather than excluding them from the opportunity to learn.
Visit www.otlcampaign.org to learn more!
