Exclusionary discipline doesn’t make schools safer. Decades of research — and Washington’s own data — show that suspension and expulsion increase dropout risk, justice system involvement, and long-term harm, without improving school climate or behavior.
The good news: there are proven alternatives. This section covers the approaches with the strongest evidence base — from restorative practices and trauma-informed care to tiered support systems and practical equity tools districts can use today.
Overview: What Works
A summary of evidence-based alternatives to suspension and expulsion.
