SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The number of suspensions at Springfield’s three public high schools has decreased significantly in the last year. The change was attributed to new policies, which included tougher consequences.
At Springfield High School, habitually disruptive students were forced to remain in alternative schools longer as a consequence of their behavior, the State Journal-Register reports. Lanphier High School implemented a number of positive reinforcement programs for students as well as a stricter dress code.
The Springfield Police Department also sent three to four officers to each school to avert fighting during fall and spring.
Last year, Lanphier High had 1,064 suspensions; Southeast, 799; and Springfield, 559. From September through March of this year, however, Lanphier issued 293 suspensions, Southeast had 547, and Springfield issued 430.
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