Student Discipline in Connecticut Public High Schools

August 11, 2009

Issue:

Discipline in public high schools is increasingly becoming a concern among educators, lawmakers, and public communities seek to provide quality education and comply with State of Connecticut laws.  Currently, Connecticut lawmakers are requiring public schools to not administer outside school suspensions (student sent home off school premises) unless a student's behavior significantly disrupts classroom learning.

Scope:

The scope of this research is limited to finding answers to several questions presented below, not a detailed study that considers population, sample size, or statistical standards.  Creating a public discussion is the reason and purpose for this research.

Essential Questions:

1. What behaviors constitute a significant disruption to classroom learning according to legislators, school administrators, parents, and students?

2. How are public high schools collecting, managing, and reporting (internally and externally) student discipline?

3. What public high schools are reporting, and how are they reporting, student discipline to the public?

Findings: