A comparison of the effectiveness of suspension and expulsion alternatives at three selected school districts in the greater Houston area
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
It has only been in recent years that administrators have used and formulated different alternative-to-suspension practices designed to reduce out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, and to facilitate overall disciplinary processes in secondary schools. The purpose of this study was to analyze different phases of three alternative-to-suspension programs utilized in secondary schools (grades 9-12) in the Greater Houston Area. First, effectiveness of the programs was studied through the variables of improved student attendance, lack of repeat assignment, facilitation of graduation, and reduction in student alienation. Second, descriptive analysis of each of the program's components was analyzed and delineated. Third, educational and sociological variables wra empirically analyzed between students assigned to alternative programs and those students not assigned. Fourth, analysis of the "Alternative-to- Suspension Practices Questionnaire," as developed by the researcher was conducted to discover prevalent practices, policies, and characteristics of programs throughout the nation, Texas, and more specifically, the Houston Gulf Coast Area. [...]