CT News JunkieFebruary 23, 2022
As part of the state’s Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee (JJPOC), CCA takes an active role in shaping policy that affects the well being of children in Connecticut. One of CCA’s legislative goals is to minimize the use of suspension and expulsion for young students in kindergarten through second grade.
Research from the Council on School Health shows that suspension and expulsion can have long-term detrimental effects for young children, and does not improve students’ in-school behavior. The federal Department of Health and Human Services advises against early childhood suspension and expulsion, noting that “these practices can influence a number of adverse outcomes across development, health, and education.”
Prior to the 2022 Connecticut legislative session, CCA and other JJPOC members advocated for a ban on exclusionary discipline for students up to 2nd grade. While the JJPOC did not recommend a full ban, the committee voted to move forward with proposed legislation which would offer financial supports to school districts in order to lower the rate of exclusionary discipline. The committee also voted to set a future goal of a complete ban on exclusionary discipline for K-2 students, based on the results of the current supports.
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