California tops in suspension reform, but still not properly targeting disparities, report says

March 21, 2018

California tops in suspension reform, but still not properly targeting disparities, report says

The report finds no other state does a better job than California at holding districts accountable for reducing overall school suspensions. But districts still don't adequately prioritize cuts in suspension rates for students of color and other marginalized groups.

David Washburn

March 13, 2018

Linking a school massacre to Obama-era school discipline policies

President Trump suggests that federal guidelines put forward by the Obama administration encouraging alternatives to suspension and expulsion somehow contributed to the Parkland school massacre.

Louis Freedberg

February 20, 2018

Suspension rates for black male students in California higher for foster youth, rural students

Study finds African-American students make up just over 5 percent of California’s public school enrollment, but account for nearly 18 percent of suspensions, with black boys and young men accounting for most of those.

Lee Romney

February 15, 2018

Countdown to expand ban on ‘willful defiance’ suspensions in California schools

With the current ban on such suspensions for grades K-3 set to expire in July, a bill that would expand the ban to include all schools is making its way through the state Legislature.

David Washburn

January 24, 2018

California leaders must act to extend progress on school discipline

Legislature has until July 1 to extend ban on suspending students for willful defiance of school authorities, a category that is used too often to punish students for minor infractions

Robert Ross

November 8, 2017

California moves to curtail expelling children from preschool — yes, preschool

California is part of a national effort to restrict pushing children out of preschool for disruptive behavior.

Lee Romney

July 24, 2017

Settlement in Kern discrimination lawsuit calls for new school discipline policies

The Kern High School District in the Central Valley admitted no wrongdoing but agreed to settle because changes in school discipline reflect current policies.

Jane Meredith Adams

May 25, 2017

State board rethinking how to measure performance of alternative schools

Standard metrics often don't capture the work of schools serving at-risk students.

John Fensterwald

May 7, 2017

Most teachers in California say they need more training in alternatives to suspensions, survey finds

A California Teachers Association survey found that 40 percent of teachers had received little or no training in alternatives to suspensions.

Jane Meredith Adams

April 11, 2017

Nearly half of California school districts earn top ratings for lowering suspensions

Suspension rates are a new indicator of school success.

Jane Meredith Adams

March 22, 2017

Suspension rates for African-American students escalate in middle school

Entering middle school marks a turning point for students.

Jane Meredith Adams

March 10, 2017

Suspending California students costs the state billions, report finds

If the suspension rate were lowered by 1 percent in one graduating class in California, the state would avoid $180 million in economic losses, researchers at the University of California have found.