Charles County Public Schools student suspensions decreased for the fourth consecutive year, according to a recent report sent to the Maryland State Department of Education. Suspensions dropped slightly from 5,662 in the 2006-07 school year to 5,490 in 2007-08, even with an increase in student population and the opening of a new school.
A key factor in the continued reduction of suspensions is the positive behavioral interventions and supports program used in most schools. While school suspensions have increased in Maryland, the number of suspensions and multiple suspensions in Charles County has declined. Charles County Public Schools successful PBIS program was recently recognized by Advocates for Children & Youth, which credits the school system’s commitment to positive reinforcement for the reduction.
Charles County Public Schools continues to work to reduce disruptions in schools and to keep students in class. “When students engage in negative behavior, it disrupts learning in the classroom. If students miss school due to suspension, they are not learning. It’s a cycle that we are working hard to prevent,” said Ronald Cunningham, deputy superintendent. Cunningham said the school system continues to distribute the Student Code of Conduct to all students at the beginning of each school year with the expectation they will read it with their parents, who will re-enforce the rules at home. Some offenses, such as possession of a weapon or illegal drugs, will always result in suspension, Cunningham said.