The Department of Education’s 2023-24 annual report has shown that more than 100 students were suspended from West Australian public schools every day on average, totaling 21,565 suspensions for the year. This accounted for 6.4% of total enrolments, with an additional 163 students being excluded. These figures represented a significant increase from the previous year, and were attributed in part to the launch of the Standing Together Against Violence plan in July 2023, which aimed to address violence in schools and provided guidelines for dealing with escalating situations through suspensions and exclusions. However, Curtin University School of Education senior lecturer Saul Karnovsky suggested that the reported number of suspensions may actually be lower than necessary, as teachers may be hesitant to report every violent or threatening incident due to the onerous paperwork involved.
According to Karnovsky, the average of 108 students suspended per day aligns with a statistic from the State School Teachers’ Union WA’s Facing the Facts report, which found that there was a violence-based incident at a WA public school every 45 minutes. He believes that escalating violent behaviors are a significant factor contributing to high teacher attrition rates, as educators are often faced with challenging behavior from students that may go unreported due to administrative barriers. This suggests that the reported suspension and exclusion figures may not fully capture the extent of disruptive behavior in schools, and that additional support and resources may be needed to address underlying issues contributing to these incidents.
The data on student suspensions and exclusions in West Australian public schools highlights the challenges faced by teachers and school staff in managing disruptive and violent behaviors in the classroom. The increase in suspension numbers compared to the previous year indicates a growing issue that needs to be addressed through effective policies and interventions. With the launch of the Standing Together Against Violence plan, there is a recognition of the need to address violence in schools and provide teachers with appropriate guidelines for dealing with challenging situations. However, the discrepancy between reported suspension numbers and the actual frequency of violent incidents suggests that there may be gaps in reporting and addressing disruptive behaviors.
It is crucial for educational institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of both students and teachers in order to create a positive learning environment. The high number of student suspensions and exclusions points to a larger systemic issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. By providing teachers with the support and resources they need to effectively manage challenging behaviors, schools can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all students. Additionally, addressing the root causes of violent or disruptive behaviors through early intervention and targeted support programs can help prevent future incidents and promote positive social and emotional development among students.
The impact of escalating violent behaviors in schools extends beyond just the students involved, as teachers and staff also face challenges in managing these situations. High teacher attrition rates associated with dealing with disruptive behaviors suggest a need for more comprehensive support systems and resources to help educators navigate these challenges. By addressing the underlying causes of violent incidents and providing teachers with the tools they need to effectively manage disruptive behaviors, schools can create a more supportive and conducive learning environment for all students. Collaborative efforts between educators, administrators, and policymakers are essential in addressing the complex issues surrounding school violence and promoting positive outcomes for students.
In conclusion, the data on student suspensions and exclusions in West Australian public schools sheds light on the challenges faced by educators in managing disruptive behaviors and violence within the school environment. The increasing numbers of suspensions compared to the previous year highlight the need for effective intervention strategies and support systems to address these issues. By recognizing the impact of escalating violent behaviors on both students and teachers, educational institutions can work towards implementing policies and programs that promote a safe and inclusive learning environment for all. Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, schools can address the root causes of disruptive behaviors and promote positive social and emotional development among students, ultimately creating a more supportive and conducive educational experience for everyone involved.