AAP Updates Policy on School Expulsions & Suspensions: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Discipline

Summary

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its policy on school discipline, advocating for a trauma-informed approach instead of suspensions and expulsions. This shift aims to address the root causes of student misbehavior and mitigate the long-term negative impacts of exclusionary discipline. The AAP emphasizes the importance of creating supportive learning environments for all students.

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Main Story

Okay, so let’s talk about the American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP’s, recent policy update regarding school discipline. It’s a pretty big shift, you know, moving away from the usual suspension and expulsion playbook. Instead, they’re really pushing for a trauma-informed approach, and I think it’s worth us looking at why.

For ages, schools have been using suspensions and expulsions as their go-to for everything from classroom disruptions to, well, more serious stuff. But, honestly, is it working? The research suggests, and I think we all know this anecdotally, that it’s not. These practices actually seem to fuel a cycle of negative outcomes. We’re talking about higher dropout rates, increased run-ins with the justice system, and a real drag on academic performance. And, frankly, it hits kids of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ students the hardest—that’s just not right.

The AAP is really saying we need a more understanding and empathetic approach. It’s about recognizing that trauma, stemming from things like abuse, neglect, or community violence, impacts a child’s behavior. I remember a case from years ago, a kid who was constantly acting out in class, and it turned out, he was dealing with a lot at home. A trauma informed perspective completely changed how the school interacted with him. These kids often act out as a way to cope with emotional distress, and we can’t just punish them. We’ve got to create a space where they feel safe, understood, and, crucially, respected, and we have to start to see their behaviors as a reflection of their experiences. Makes sense, right?

Instead of jumping straight to punishment, the AAP suggests a whole raft of other strategies. Schools should be providing mental health services, working to improve relationships between students and staff, and implementing social and emotional learning into the school culture. Restorative justice practices are also key here, focusing on how to repair harm. It makes much more sense to address the underlying problem rather than just punishing a symptom, wouldn’t you say?

That said, the AAP isn’t naive. They know there are times, when a child’s behavior is a danger to the school community, that removing them from class is the right call. But, these should be rare exceptions, not the rule, and it’s vital, that they’re also supported when this is the case. It’s about helping them grasp the reasons behind their behavior and gain the coping skills to move forward, not just kicking them to the curb. We need to focus on reintegration, not just isolation.

And it’s not just schools who have a role, according to the AAP, but pediatricians do too. They’re being encouraged to screen children for trauma, educate families about the harm caused by exclusionary discipline, and advocate for supportive school policies. It’s about collaboration, working alongside schools and families to create systems that nurture the overall well-being of all children, it’s a pretty big picture they’re trying to paint here.

Ultimately, this updated policy is a positive step towards creating a more just and equitable approach to school discipline. It’s about being proactive not reactive, and, embracing trauma-informed practices as a way to support all children, so they have the best chance to thrive. Seems like a more positive approach, wouldn’t you agree?