Monthly Archives: March 2013

New Report: Juvenile Arrest and Collateral Educational Damage in the Transition to Adulthood

A new report by David S. Kirk and Robert J. Sampson highlights the impact of juvenile arrest on completion of high school and how it alters life trajectories around work and family. The report concludes: With high school and even college graduation virtually a necessity for a successful transition to adulthood, we conclude that the ... Read More
 

Oakland Unified Reduces Suspensions With Restorative Justice Framework

The Oakland Unified School District is working to combat racial disparities in how it disciplines students. This year, it has made some progress in reducing suspensions of African-American students, using a restorative justice framework. Additionally, it also developed a plan that looks at school culture and climate, working with teachers and staff to provide trainings ... Read More
 

7-Year-Old Boy Suspended for Pastry Shaped Like Gun

California isn’t the only state where parents are concerned about harsh rules like willful defiance. In yet another example of the arbitrary nature of ‘willful defiance’, last week, a 7-year-old boy was suspended for biting his pop-tart pastry into the shape of a gun. This follows a trend of young children suspended for pointing their fingers ... Read More
 
Take Action Now! Support AB 420 to Help Stop Suspensions for ‘Willful Defiance’

Take Action Now! Support AB 420 to Help Stop Suspensions for ‘Willful Defiance’

Are you an educator, student, parent, concerned community member, student advocate or school administrator? Do you care about helping students stay in school and preventing unnecessary suspensions and expulsions? You have an opportunity to make a difference by sending a letter of support to legislators for Assembly Bill 420. AB 420 will limit the use of ... Read More
 
Meet Sarah Omojola: Public Counsel’s Statewide Education Advocate!

Meet Sarah Omojola: Public Counsel’s Statewide Education Advocate!

Sarah Omojola joined Public Counsel in September 2012. She is a former English teacher and co-founder of a Stand Up For Each Other, an organization that provides advocacy services for students facing disciplinary action in New Orleans. She now works with Public Counsel and Fix School Discipline on policy and advocacy relating to stopping the school-to-prison pipeline.   Sarah ... Read More
 
Join Our FREE WEBINAR for Educators, Community Advocates and Students on March 11th!

Join Our FREE WEBINAR for Educators, Community Advocates and Students on March 11th!

Learn lessons from successful educators and find out how to make positive school discipline changes at your school. California educators, community organizations and students are rolling up their sleeves to make common-sense school discipline changes. Many are already reporting amazing results: more students in class and learning, fewer behavioral problems on campus, fewer suspensions and ... Read More
 

STRIVE! New Program Aids in Conflict Resolution For Students

Central Valley students and educators have launched a new discipline program that is changing their schools for the better. STRIVE, a program through Merced County Office of Education, harnesses the power of conflict resolution to work with students and teachers to cut down on suspensions and keep students in class. When a problem arises, students ... Read More