Using Supension as a Sanction: The Revision of Regulations in Victoria (From Crime at School: Proceedings of a Seminar Held 2-4 June 1987 in Canberra, P 81-102, 1987, Dennis Challinger, ed. -- See NCJ-110911)

• NCJ Number: 110918
• Author(s): R Slee
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology; National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-110911.

Annotation

This paper examines the effectiveness of school policies regarding corporal punishment, suspension, and alternative education for disruptive students in public schools in Victoria, Australia.

Abstract

Victoria's Working Party on the Abolition of Corporal Punishment published a 1983 report recommending the abolition of corporal punishment in schools and new guidelines and procedures for the suspension of students from school attendance. The Victorian Minister for Education approved the report, and the recommendations have been implemented. The new regulations governing suspension institute a departmental inquiry once a student has been suspended for a cumulative period of 10 days or indefinitely for a serious offense. This policy has procedural shortcomings and problems related to the recommendations from inquiry panels. A second policy approach adopted is the use of off-site facilities to which problem students are referred for special education, after which they are reintegrated into regular schools. This separation and labeling procedure maintains marginality and has not shown behavioral improvements when students are returned to regular classes. The aforementioned policies have failed to address the need for change in the educational milieu of the classroom and the school in general as a factor in student maladjustment. The Western Australian Department of Education has pursued a 'whole school approach' for improving the school climate, with some success based on evaluation. 33 references.