Abstract
Purpose. The purposes of this study were: (1) To examine the extent to which schools in Los Angeles County with middle grade students use alternatives to out-of-school suspension for students who have committed suspendable offenses; (2) To describe various models in use; (3) To identify elements that are perceived to support or deter the success of the programs; (4) To compare the elements that are perceived to support or deter the success of the program based on the socioeconomic level of the school. Methodology. Using descriptive research, the population for the study included 207 schools in Los Angeles County with students in grades six, seven, and eight (excluding Los Angeles City School District). A locator survey was addressed to the site disciplinarian to report whether their school had implemented an alternative program. Those indicating the existence of an alternative program were sent an in-depth questionnaire. Findings. Eighty-one percent of the schools have established an alternative to out-of-school suspension. Of this group, program strategies implemented are: 91% in-school suspension; 75% parent sit-in; 68% independent study; 42% Saturday school; 40% community service; 36% Saturday work program; 26% other alternatives such as detention, work programs, and alternative classrooms or schools. Combining an average of three or four strategies in their model, common program goals were to reduce out-of-school suspension, decrease loss of ADA, lower the number of repeat offenders, and rehabilitate students. Formal or informal evaluation procedures existed in only 60% of the schools. Conclusions and recommendations. The use of alternatives to out-of-school suspension in Los Angeles County is common in the majority of schools with middle grade students. Many utilize a variety of multiple strategies to address the complex needs of middle school students. Student counseling appears to be the element with the potential to produce the greatest impact. Schools in the upper socioeconomic level felt more positive about the success of their program than did schools in the medium or low socioeconomic levels. It is recommended that schools operate an alternative to out-of-school suspension model with a variety of strategies and include counseling for students.