In the context of education, ISS stands for In-School Suspension. It is a disciplinary action taken by schools to manage student behavior while still providing educational support. Unlike out-of-school suspension (OSS), where a student is sent home and misses school days, ISS allows students to remain in school but separates them from their regular classroom environment.
The purpose of ISS is multifaceted:
- Behavioral Correction: It serves as a consequence for misbehavior, helping students understand that their actions have repercussions.
- Academic Continuity: By keeping students in school, ISS ensures that they do not fall behind academically. Students are typically required to complete their schoolwork and may even receive additional assignments.
- Support and Reflection: The ISS setting can provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their behavior and actions. Schools may use this time to offer guidance, counseling, or other forms of support to help students make better choices in the future.
How ISS Works
The specifics of ISS programs can vary significantly from one school to another, but here are some common aspects:
- Placement: Students are placed in a designated ISS room or area, which is usually supervised by a teacher or school administrator.
- Work Assignments: Students are given assignments from their teachers, which they are expected to complete during their time in ISS. This can include homework, classwork, reading assignments, or special projects designed to help them reflect on their behavior.
- Rules and Expectations: There are typically strict rules governing behavior in the ISS setting. Students are expected to work quietly, follow directions, and refrain from interacting with peers inappropriately.
- Length of Stay: The duration in ISS can vary depending on the infraction and school policy. It can range from a few hours to several days.
- Monitoring Progress: Schools usually monitor the student’s behavior and academic progress while in ISS. This information can be used to determine when the student is ready to return to their regular classes and to identify any additional support needs.
Benefits and Criticisms
Benefits: - Keeps students in a learning environment, minimizing the loss of instructional time. - Provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their actions and receive support. - Can be a less disruptive alternative to OSS for both the student and their family.
Criticisms: - Some argue that ISS can be stigmatizing and may not adequately address the underlying issues leading to misbehavior. - The quality of education and support received in ISS settings can vary, with some settings possibly lacking the resources or trained personnel to provide meaningful academic or behavioral support. - There is concern that ISS might not be used equitably, potentially disproportionately affecting certain student populations.
In conclusion, ISS is a disciplinary tool that schools use to balance the need for consequence with the importance of educational continuity and support. Its effectiveness can depend on how it is implemented and the resources available to support students during their time in ISS.
