Addressing the Impact of School Suspension Policies on Students
Andreas Rasch-Christensen, a prominent school researcher, highlights that the tightened rules will not have much effect if students are not supported at home or in alternative programs.
– The tightened rules only work if there are places where students can be picked up and given proper educational support to reintegrate into school, he explains.
– It is a challenging task because it means that municipalities must ensure there are emergency services available.
‘It’s Like Peeing in Your Pants’
Louise Klinge, a member of the Children’s Council, also expresses concerns about the prospect of more students being sent home.
– It is important to remember that some children exhibit inappropriate behavior for a reason, she explains.
– So many of the children who are sent home come back to boundary-crossing behavior, which is exactly what we do not want.
– Therefore, it does not consider the child in a holistic perspective or the community in a holistic perspective because this will not work, states Louise Klinge.
Looking further into the future, temporarily removing the sanctioned student will not help the school community.
– It’s like peeing in your pants, says Louise Klinge and elaborates:
– The child you remove still exists and must return to the community. And the longer the child is away, the harder it becomes.
– So, not everyone has to do the same thing at the same time, but it is natural for a child to withdraw before things escalate.
Tesfaye: Sanctions are a Part of Pedagogy
Children and Education Minister Mathias Tesfaye acknowledges Louise Klinge’s criticism.
However, he emphasizes that the ministry and politicians must address the fact that some students exhibit violent behavior or have committed serious vandalism.
The changes also come in response to cases of students displaying outwardly aggressive or boundary-crossing behavior in schools nationwide, as reported by TV2 in the spring.
– And I believe it is entirely appropriate for the school to show that actions have consequences, responds Mathias Tesfaye in P1 Orientering.
– It is common pedagogy, and I disagree with those who say they support pedagogy and oppose sanctions because I consider sanctions as part of pedagogy.
He elaborates that it is part of normal upbringing.
– School leaders must, of course, consider students, understand their life situations, their family backgrounds, and I have full confidence that they are capable of doing so, but they need to know what tools they have in their toolkit, explains the Children and Education Minister.
Analysis:
– The article addresses the impact of school suspension policies on students, highlighting the importance of providing proper support to prevent negative behaviors.
– Louise Klinge emphasizes the need to consider the holistic perspective of children and communities when implementing disciplinary measures.
– Mathias Tesfaye defends the use of sanctions as part of pedagogy to address challenging student behaviors.
– The discussion underscores the importance of balancing consequences with support for students to foster a positive school environment and effective disciplinary strategies.