Pubdate: Tue, 27 Nov 2012
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Abbotsford News
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/BkAJKrUD
Website: http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Page: A4

SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS DROP

Down 30 per cent from 2008

The number of school suspensions has dropped in Abbotsford, according
to the latest numbers released by the school district.

Last year, there were 727 out-of-school suspensions, compared to 805
the previous year. In-school suspensions dropped to 526 in 2011,
compared to 683 in 2010.

Total suspensions have dropped about 30 per cent since 2008 and are
highest at the Grade 9 and 10 levels. Drugs are the most common
reason, and boys account for about 80 per cent of suspensions.

Assistant superintendent Steve Carlton said the drop in the numbers
can be partly attributed to a "system-wide response to children in
need of behaviour support."

These school initiatives include the alternative suspension program,
police liaison officers in the schools, and "positive behaviour"
supports such as Lions Quest, Character Counts, and Roots of Empathy.

Community programs include Impact's New Directions and the South Asian
Community Resource Office.
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MAP posted-by: Matt