National research on kindergarten to 12th grade students has revealed a change in discipline at Santa Cruz County schools. Studies suggest suspensions and expulsions can impact a student’s achievement and increase his or her chances of delinquency. Officials say there is a growing trend among county school leaders who have been using teacher intervention instead of suspension when it comes to disciplinary action. In the past three years, Pajaro Valley Unified reported a 60% decrease in expulsions and a 39% decrease in suspensions. Meanwhile, in Santa Cruz City Schools, referrals to the principal’s office decreased over 95%.
