In-School Suspension (ISS) is a disciplinary measure used by schools as an alternative to sending students home for behavioral issues. Rather than being suspended out of school, students placed in ISS are removed from their regular classroom environment but are still required to attend school. During ISS, students complete academic work and reflect on their behavior in a more structured and supervised setting. ISS aims to correct inappropriate behavior while allowing students to stay engaged in their studies.
This article will provide a detailed explanation of what ISS is, how it works, the reasons students might be placed in ISS, and the benefits of this disciplinary approach.
What Is In-School Suspension (ISS)?
In-School Suspension (ISS) is a disciplinary action used by schools to address student behavior while ensuring that students remain in a learning environment. Instead of sending a student home for a suspension, the student attends school but is isolated from their peers in a designated room or area. This allows the school to address disciplinary issues without disrupting the student’s education.
How ISS Works
When a student is placed in ISS, they are removed from their regular classes and spend the day (or days) in a separate room under supervision. In this space, they are required to complete academic assignments, work on behavior improvement, and sometimes participate in counseling or discussions about their actions.
Key elements of ISS include:
- Supervision: Students in ISS are monitored by a teacher or staff member, ensuring they follow the rules and complete their assigned work.
- Academic Work: Students are expected to complete the same schoolwork they would have done in their regular classes. Teachers typically provide assignments, and students must focus on their academics while in ISS.
- Behavior Reflection: In addition to academic work, students may be asked to reflect on their behavior. This could include writing assignments about their actions, understanding the consequences of their behavior, or meeting with a counselor to discuss better decision-making.
- Isolation from Peers: ISS separates students from their regular school environment and peers, which reduces distractions and allows them to focus on correcting their behavior.
Purpose of ISS
The primary purpose of ISS is to provide a structured consequence for students who violate school rules while keeping them engaged in their education. Unlike out-of-school suspension (OSS), which removes the student from the learning environment, ISS allows students to remain at school, complete academic work, and receive support in improving their behavior.
ISS serves several purposes:
- Addressing Behavioral Issues: ISS is used as a disciplinary tool to correct inappropriate behavior, such as disrespect, classroom disruptions, fighting, or other violations of school rules.
- Maintaining Academic Progress: ISS ensures that students do not fall behind in their studies while being disciplined. Students are given assignments to complete, preventing gaps in their learning.
- Encouraging Reflection and Growth: ISS often includes components that encourage students to reflect on their behavior and learn how to make better decisions in the future. This may involve discussions with teachers, counselors, or administrators.
- Preventing Repeat Behavior: By addressing behavioral issues in a controlled setting, ISS aims to prevent students from repeating the behavior that led to their suspension.
Common Reasons for ISS
Students may be placed in ISS for a variety of reasons, typically related to violating school rules or engaging in disruptive behavior. The specific reasons for ISS vary depending on the school’s code of conduct, but some common examples include:
- Disrespectful Behavior: Acting disrespectfully toward teachers, staff, or fellow students can result in ISS. This might include talking back, using inappropriate language, or refusing to follow instructions.
- Classroom Disruptions: Disrupting the learning environment, such as talking out of turn, being excessively loud, or interfering with other students’ ability to learn, may lead to ISS.
- Fighting or Aggression: Physical altercations or aggressive behavior toward others is a serious offense and may result in ISS.
- Skipping Class or Truancy: Students who consistently skip class or leave school without permission may be placed in ISS as a consequence for their actions.
- Minor Vandalism or Property Damage: Damaging school property, even if minor, can lead to disciplinary actions, including ISS.
- Bullying or Harassment: Bullying, whether physical, verbal, or online, can result in ISS as a way to address the behavior and prevent further incidents.
Each school may have its own set of guidelines for what behaviors result in ISS, and the duration of the suspension can vary depending on the severity of the offense.
Also Read: Pembroke Elementary School
Differences Between ISS and OSS
ISS (In-School Suspension) and OSS (Out-of-School Suspension) are both disciplinary measures used by schools, but they differ significantly in their approach and impact on students.
In-School Suspension (ISS)
- Location: Students remain in school but are removed from their regular classes.
- Supervision: Students are supervised by school staff in a designated ISS room.
- Academic Work: Students are expected to complete their schoolwork during ISS, allowing them to stay on track academically.
- Behavior Focus: ISS often includes opportunities for behavior reflection and improvement.
Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
- Location: Students are not allowed to attend school and must stay home during the suspension period.
- Supervision: OSS relies on parents or guardians to supervise students at home.
- Academic Impact: OSS may cause students to fall behind in their schoolwork, as they are not in the classroom to receive instruction.
- Behavior Focus: While OSS is a more severe punishment, it may not provide the same structured environment for students to reflect on and improve their behavior.
Benefits of ISS Over OSS
Many schools prefer using ISS over OSS because it allows students to continue their education and receive support for behavior improvement. Some of the key benefits of ISS include:
- Continuing Education: Students in ISS can complete their schoolwork and avoid falling behind academically, which is a risk with OSS.
- Behavioral Interventions: ISS provides a structured setting where students can reflect on their behavior and work on improving it, with guidance from staff or counselors.
- Reduced Risk of Misuse of Free Time: OSS may leave students unsupervised at home, increasing the likelihood that they will engage in unproductive or risky behavior. ISS keeps students in a supervised school environment.
Rules and Expectations in ISS
While in ISS, students are expected to follow strict rules and guidelines to ensure a focused, productive atmosphere. Common rules for ISS include:
- Quiet Environment: Students must remain quiet and focused on their work throughout the day.
- Completion of Assignments: Students are required to complete all schoolwork assigned to them during ISS. Failure to do so may result in extended suspension or additional disciplinary measures.
- No Disruptions: Students are not allowed to engage in disruptive behavior, such as talking to other students, using electronic devices, or refusing to follow instructions from staff.
- Respect for Staff: Students must show respect to the teachers or staff members supervising ISS and follow their directions at all times.
Key Differences Between ISS and OSS
| Feature | In-School Suspension (ISS) | Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) |
| Location | At school, in a supervised room | At home, not allowed on school grounds |
| Supervision | Supervised by school staff | Supervised by parents or guardians |
| Academic Progress | Students complete assignments and stay engaged in learning | Students may fall behind in their studies |
| Behavior Reflection | Encourages reflection and behavior improvement | May not provide structured support for behavior correction |
| Duration | Varies based on the offense, typically 1–5 days | Varies, often longer than ISS depending on the severity of the offense |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of ISS?
The purpose of ISS is to provide a disciplinary consequence for students while keeping them in a supervised school environment, allowing them to complete academic work and reflect on their behavior.
How long does ISS last?
The duration of ISS varies depending on the severity of the behavior or the school’s policies. It can range from one day to several days.
Can students fall behind academically in ISS?
No, students in ISS are expected to complete their schoolwork, so they do not fall behind academically.
Is ISS better than OSS?
ISS is often considered better than OSS because it allows students to remain in school, stay engaged in their education, and receive guidance on improving their behavior.
What should students do while in ISS?
Students in ISS should complete their academic assignments, follow the rules set by the staff, and reflect on their behavior to avoid future disciplinary actions.
In-School Suspension (ISS) serves as a valuable disciplinary tool for schools, offering a structured and supervised environment for students to continue their education while addressing behavioral issues. By keeping students in school and focused on both academics and self-improvement, ISS provides a more constructive alternative to out-of-school suspension. It encourages personal growth, helps students reflect on their actions, and ensures they remain on track with their learning, contributing to a more positive and productive school experience.