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Student Suspensions Continue to Decrease
Baynet.com (Aug. 30, 2009)
Charles County Public Schools student suspensions decreased for the fifth consecutive year, according to a recent report sent to the Maryland State Department of Education. Suspensions dropped from 5,490 in the 2007-08 school year to 4,598 in 2008-09.
Superintendent James E. Richmond said the goal is to reduce suspensions by putting programs in place that help students change behaviors that lead to suspension. Richmond attributes the continued decline in suspensions to programs such as the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program used in 30 schools and Capturing Kids Hearts, a program at many high schools. “Charles County Public Schools results show how a well-implemented, well supported PBIS program can help reduce suspensions and keep students in school where they can learn,” Richmond said.
Recently, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) honored 29 schools for their PBIS programs. PBIS focuses on creating safe and more effective schools by developing and implementing research-based, schoolwide classroom discipline systems, reinforcing desirable behaviors and using clear and consistent responses to behavioral violations.
Additionally, Thomas Stone High School was named a 2009 Maryland School of Character by the Maryland Center for Character Education (MCCE) and the Character Education Partnership. The awards program recognizes schools that demonstrate outstanding character education programs that yield positive results in student behavior and academic performance.
Keith Grier, director of student services, said the PBIS program was introduced in 1999 and has grown in the county. Grier also attributes the suspension decline to quality classroom instruction, better-trained and qualified teachers and more intense and competent supervision, which leads to reduced incidents of school disruption as well as a reduced number of school dropouts.
Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, for example, has significantly reduced suspensions over the past four years, a trend Principal Sue DelaCruz credits to a strong PBIS program. Suspensions this year dropped to 230, down from 329 the previous year and from 504 in 2006. PBIS, DelaCruz said, has helped students and staff to work on relationships, establish a school family and create a school culture where positive behavior is celebrated. Stoddert has also created alternative consequences for some offenses including Saturday school where students are required to complete team projects. Since establishing club day, which incorporate character lessons, student behavior and attendance have also improved, DelaCruz said. “The goal is to keep our school safe and to keep students in school. PBIS is working,” she said.
Charles County Public Schools posts its suspension data as part of its ongoing efforts to address and monitor suspension rates in schools. Information posted on the Web site includes 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 end-of-year suspension figures by category as well as category definitions. The reports are located at http://www2.ccboe.com/aboutus/fastfacts.cfm and include suspension information compiled and reported to the state.
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