Disciplinary school exclusion, often termed suspension or expulsion, is a significant issue that can have long-lasting adverse effects on students. According to the systematic review by Valdebenito et al. (2018), various school-based interventions have been shown to reduce the rates of exclusion. These interventions not only support students in staying engaged with their education but also mitigate the negative outcomes associated with exclusion, such as poor academic performance and increased antisocial behavior.
In this blog, we delve into the findings of this comprehensive review, providing practitioners with data-driven insights to improve their intervention strategies and encourage further research in this critical area.
Key Findings from the Systematic Review
The review by Valdebenito et al. (2018) included 37 studies, predominantly from the USA and the UK, evaluating various school-based interventions aimed at reducing disciplinary exclusions. Here are the key findings:
- School-based interventions result in a small but significant reduction in exclusion rates within the first six months of implementation. However, this effect is not sustained long-term.
- Interventions are more effective in reducing expulsion and in-school exclusion compared to out-of-school exclusion.
- Four types of interventions—enhancement of academic skills, counseling, mentoring/monitoring, and skills training for teachers—show significant desirable effects on reducing exclusions.
- There is no significant impact of these interventions on reducing antisocial behavior.
Effective Intervention Strategies
Based on the review, the following intervention strategies are highlighted for their effectiveness in reducing school exclusions:
- Enhancement of Academic Skills: Programs that focus on improving students' academic performance can help keep them engaged and reduce the likelihood of exclusion.
- Counseling: Providing students with access to counseling services can address underlying issues contributing to behavioral problems.
- Mentoring/Monitoring: Pairing students with mentors who can provide guidance and support can significantly impact their behavior and engagement in school.
- Skills Training for Teachers: Equipping teachers with the skills to manage classroom behavior effectively can prevent situations that lead to exclusions.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, the findings from this review underscore the importance of implementing evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the needs of their students. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Early Identification and Intervention: Identify at-risk students early and implement targeted interventions to address their specific needs.
- Professional Development: Invest in ongoing training for teachers to equip them with effective classroom management and intervention skills.
- Holistic Support: Provide comprehensive support that includes academic assistance, counseling, and mentoring to address various aspects of students' lives.
- Continuous Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments to ensure they meet the evolving needs of students.
Encouraging Further Research
While the review provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research, particularly in diverse contexts outside the USA and the UK. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of knowledge by documenting and sharing their experiences and outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: School-based interventions for reducing disciplinary school exclusion: a systematic review.
