Colorado schools are facing a crisis as data from the Department of Education reveals a drastic increase in suspensions.

In the last academic year, almost 97,000 suspensions were issued, sending shockwaves throughout the state. This number is the highest recorded in a decade, signifying a troubling trend in disciplinary measures being taken by schools. Experts are concerned that this increase paints a grim picture for Colorado's education system and the wellbeing of its students.

Since children returned to their classrooms after the pandemic, both suspensions and expulsions have risen statewide, according to the data. This is a clear indication that schools are not utilizing proper and restorative approaches to handle disciplinary issues.

The reasons for suspension range from alcohol and drug use to disobedience and detrimental behavior. This paints a worrying picture of how often schools are resorting to harsh disciplinary measures instead of finding more effective solutions. In addition, the data reveals that the increase in suspensions was seen across the state and not just in specific districts.

The statewide increase in suspensions comes as school districts in metro Denver have sought to reduce how often they use harsh discipline.

Education law attorney Igor Raykin, who represents students facing expulsions in the metro Denver area, noted a disturbing trend among schools. "There seems to be a split among schools on how they are going to discipline children," he said. "It's basically an urban-suburban split." While some districts, like DPS, have taken steps to reduce suspensions and expulsions, others are still relying heavily on these measures.

This disparity is a cause for concern and highlights the need for a more unified and effective approach to discipline in schools.

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The leading reasons for expulsions were for detrimental behavior, marijuana use, and possessing dangerous weapons. This shows a disturbing trend of students engaging in harmful activities that could jeopardize the safety and well-being of their peers.

Experts believe that the pandemic has played a significant role in the rise in suspensions. According to Raykin, students' mental health has been significantly impacted, resulting in disruptive behavior. "That behavior was worse when children returned from COVID than it was before," he said.

These alarming statistics serve as a wake-up call for schools and policymakers to address the impact of the pandemic on students' mental health and behavior.