Opposition Education Spokesperson Nick Smith today said the latest school suspension figures are proof that the new
suspension rules introduced by the National Government last year are working.
"The trend over the last few years has been a huge increase in the number of suspensions. The rules National introduced
last year were aimed at reducing the number of students suspended while recognising the difficult challenge schools have
in maintaining a safe and effective learning environment for all students.
The latest suspension figures were released today by the Ministry of Education and show a reduction in the number of
suspensions from 2,177 in 1998 to 2,094 between July and December this year.
"I am really pleased that the new rules are working and that schools are using the alternatives available to keep
students in school. The trend should increasingly move to the use of a stand-down instead of a suspension - for some
students, a day out of school to 'cool off' and reflect on their behaviour is all that is required."
"Our schools have a big challenge in managing students with behavioural problems. The new suspension rules were just one
part of the National Government's strategy for helping schools deal with social issues. I expect to see the benefits of
our other programmes, such as alternative learning centres, social workers in schools, Resource Teachers: Learning and
Behaviour, Behaviour Education Support Teams and Centres for Extra Support, and eliminating violence programmes, coming
through over the next few years," Dr Smith said.
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