Out-of-School Suspension
Why we track this indicator
Out-of-school suspensions further escalate negative student outcomes, such as academic achievements, dropouts, grade retention, and future disciplinary exclusion. National studies have shown that an increase in student disengagement can lead to detrimental effects on the student's health and socio-economic stability.
Out-of-School Suspension Data Breakdown
Status: Gray
Definition: Average percentage of students receiving out-of-school suspension during the school year in all seven school districts in Elkhart County. Out-of-School Suspensions are tracked through the Indiana Department of Education's yearly report on school environment. This information is obtained through publicly available data.
Source: Indiana Department of Education
Last Updated: July 2022
Reported Mitigating Factors: Department of Education has not updated.
Methodology
Methodology: Using the weighted average formula we obtain the total percent of out-school suspensions across Elkhart County. We then compare Elkhart County’s average to the State average.
Goal: to be lower than the Indiana state average.
Traffic Light:
Green: at least 1% lower compared to Indiana
Gray: within +/- 1% of compared to Indiana
Red: at least 1% higher compared to Indiana
Supporting Research
Expulsion
Article exploring the effect of suspensions and expulsions on grade retention.
Student and school factors associated with school suspension
Student and school factors associated with school suspension.
School Suspensions Hurt Whole Community, Not Just the Student, Research Shows
A growing body of research documents harms of what is known as the school-to-prison pipeline.
Epidemic of suspensions Poses Health Concerns
A new report released this week from the UCLA Civil Rights Project concludes that suspension rates in many U.S. middle and high schools are hitting alarming new highs.
School-to-Prison Pipeline
“Zero-tolerance” policies criminalize minor infractions of school rules.
Suspensions Are Down In U.S. Schools But Large Racial Gaps Remain
Suspensions Are Down In U.S. Schools But Large Racial Gaps Remain.
Related Indicators
Click to see more data trends related to Out-of-School Suspension
Baugo Community Schools
Baugo Community Schools seeks “to sustain our community by improving our schools in four areas: 1). authentic student, family, and community engagement, 2). powerful teaching and learning, 3). expanded student supports, [and] 4). family and community partnerships.”
Elkhart Community Schools
Elkhart Community Schools is a district that serves approximately 13,000 students, and is known for high-quality programs, exceptional teachers, superior learning environments, and strong parental and community support.
Wa-Nee Community Schools
Wa-Nee Community Schools prepares students to be adaptable individuals with the life and educational skills necessary to become responsible and ethical citizens.
Indicators in Action
The ‘Data Action Mini Grant’ program will provide low barrier grants to collaborating partners which will help increase cross-system collaboration and facilitate the community response to needs and/or gaps identified through the Elkhart County Child Dashboard. Applicants may request up to $2,000. Two or more applicants can collaborate for collaborative action based upon one or more data indicators and increase the grant request. By leveraging the ‘Data Action Mini Grant’ program partners can have a platform that helps to inform community goals and creates a stronger sustainability platform for their programs.
For a copy of the 1-page proposal template click here or email David Wiegner.