The San Francisco Chronicle – Jill Tucker
“The number of students suspended in San Francisco schools has been cut in half over the last two years, a positive trend especially among African-American students, district officials said Thursday. There were 1,081 suspensions last school year, down from 2,298 two years earlier — a 53 percent decline. This year, the district is on about the same pace as last year, but suspensions of African American students have continued to drop, with 17 percent fewer so far this year over last. “When students are suspended from school, they are more likely to fall behind academically,” Superintendent Richard Carranza said in a statement. “Furthermore, research shows that suspensions seldom result in improved student behavior in the long run. In fact, when we don’t address the root problems, the same student is often repeatedly suspended.” District officials switched gears four years ago, calling on schools to avoid suspensions and deal with behavioral problems using alternative programs. Many schools have adopted restorative justice programs, which requires students to acknowledge wrongdoing and make amends to the victims and school community.”(more)