13th May 2025

Do you know that, each year, millions of students around the world are being dismissed from the classroom for their disciplinary actions?

According to UNESCO, nearly 1 out of 10 students experience some sort of exclusionary discipline before the age of 16. Because of the disciplinary suspension, there’s a steep decline in the academic performance of the students and higher dropout rates as well.

So, are there any better ways to handle this?

Certainly, there is.

Restorative practices are one of the practices that is emerging as a supportive and powerful student-centered approach which shifts the focus from punishment to accountability, self-reflection, and healing for the students. This approach doesn’t push students away but brings them more into conversation and empowers them to learn from their mistakes, which ultimately strengthens the relationship between students with teachers and the school.

Those school leaders who have pursued courses like Diploma in Educational Administration and Management Course, knows it really well.

If you also want to know about this student-centric approach, then we have got you covered.

In this blog post, we will be exploring how through restorative practices, we can transform discipline into a chance for students to reshape their self-image positively.

So, without any further delay, let’s get started.

The Issue with Out-of-School Suspensions

Let’s get to know what are the issues and negative impact of out-of-school suspensions does on students:

Impact on Students

Out-of-school suspensions have always been a problematic approach. On paper, it might be an acceptable way to discipline students, but practically, it more often than not causes more damage than good. Taking the student out of the classroom as a punishment could result in significant learning loss. Just think about missing important lessons, class discussions, and group projects!

It puts a halt to a student's education, and recovery from that can be a struggle for the affected students. Beyond academics, suspensions can create a negative self-image within a student’s mind. When being labeled as troublemakers, students form this negative belief, and it can affect their behavior and self-esteem in the long term.

Disproportionate Effects on Minorities and Students with Disabilities

Alarmingly, suspensions from school disproportionately affect minority and disabled students. According to alarming statistics, Black males, who are only 8% of students, account for 18% of suspended students. Likewise, disabled students, though they constitute 17% of enrolled students, account for 29% of suspensions. These numbers highlight a systematic problem, making clear how certain populations are unfairly targeted and how this acts to widen both educational and social gaps.

Effective Restorative Practices For Implementing In Your School

Schools can have a remarkable chance to approach discipline in a fresh way by using positive practices. Moving away from the old out-of-school suspension to restorative practices can change the school community into a caring environment for all students. Some of the promising strategies follow:
 

• Restorative Justice Approach

Restorative justice is a drastic shift in the way of how schools can handle and address student behavior and conflict. Rather than punishing students by excluding them from school, restorative justice encourages them to own up to their wrongdoing and make amends for the harm caused. It is based on dialogue and comprehension rather than exclusion. Through the open conversation between students, teachers, and even parents, restorative justice seeks to restore trust and improve relationships in the school community. These practices lead students to look beyond their errors, fostering a positive self-concept and confirming their role in society.
 

 

• Social and Emotional Learning

Social and emotional learning (SEL) programs play a vital role in enabling students to acquire essential life skills. SEL equips students with the ability to recognize and regulate their emotions, develop positive relationships, and make informed decisions. By incorporating SEL into the curriculum, school leaders can establish a prosocial environment that fosters empathy and respect among students. As students become proficient in their social and emotional worlds, the prevalence of disruptive behavior is reduced, opening the door to a more positive and productive learning environment.
 

• Role of Teacher Professional Development

Equipping teachers with the proper tools is essential for effective disciplinary reform. Professional development in classroom management skills, paired with a focus on positive student-teacher relationships, can significantly minimize suspension needs. Teachers educated in trauma-informed methods and having access to mental health support can more effectively tackle bad behavior by confronting it head-on. By honing their method and establishing trust with students, teachers are instrumental in leading students towards improved choices, each day a step closer to learning and growth.

Benefits of Restorative Alternative Approaches

Let’s get to know some of the major benefits of restorative alternative approaches on students:
 

• Research and Evidence

The shift towards restorative alternatives is supported by rigorous research and evidence indicating several benefits. In contrast to conventional suspensions, these innovative methods focus on inclusivity and rehabilitation. Restorative practices, such as peer mediation and group discussions, enable students to actively resolve and learn from their conflicts. Research identifies these alternatives as effective in not only stopping disruptive behavior but creating a positive change in the school's environment.
 

• Improvements in School Community

Restorative alternatives to suspensions greatly improve the school community. Through a focus on reconciliation and understanding, restorative practices assist in developing stronger relationships between students and teachers. For example, when students are involved in community service as part of their punishment, they feel valued and included. This collective effort creates a more supportive and inclusive school community where every student counts.
 

• Reduction in Repeated Negative Behaviour

One of the promising aspects of adopting restorative practices is the noticeable reduction of negative behaviors. Unlike suspensions, which can actually drive students away further, restorative practices address the underlying reasons for behavior. By offering means such as counseling and mentorship, students will be less inclined to repeat the negative behaviors since they learn how to navigate and control their actions better. This not only serves the individual student but also helps in having a better school environment, which leads to a brighter future in education for all concerned.

Final Thoughts

Out-of-school suspensions are perhaps not the best way to deal with student behavior issues. Such harsh measures tend to do more harm than good, injuring the students and the school community in general. The solution is alternative strategies that provide a restorative approach to discipline, with an emphasis on connection rather than punishment.

By pursuing courses such as the Online Educational Administration and Management Diploma Course and focusing on restorative practices, schools can adopt strategies that promote positive behavior, encourage mental health, and create a sense of belonging.

It's time to move beyond outdated policies and take bold steps toward an inclusive and growth-focused learning culture. Restorative options will empower the students to learn from errors without stigma, providing them with a path toward becoming responsible and active members of their school community.

 

Written By: Rimpa Ghosh