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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Alternative Classroom Program Aims to Reduce Student Suspensions in Broken Hill

From ABC Australia · (12m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • An alternative program called 'Alternative Suspension' in Broken Hill aims to reduce student suspensions by addressing behavioral causes.
  • The program focuses on social and emotional wellbeing, including conflict management and impulse control, in a small group setting.
  • Youth workers build strong relationships with students, encouraging participation and providing support that may be lacking in traditional school environments.

In Broken Hill, a unique pilot program is offering a different path for young people struggling with behavior that leads to school suspensions. 'Alternative Suspension,' run by The Y NSW, provides a small, supportive classroom environment where students learn crucial social and emotional skills instead of facing traditional disciplinary measures.

It helps] you think before you act … so I don't start hurting stuff

— JordanA student participating in the Alternative Suspension program describes how it helps them manage their impulses.

Unlike the large class sizes and curriculum pressures of regular schools, this program prioritizes individualized attention. Youth workers focus on building strong relationships with the students, creating a safe space where they feel understood and encouraged to participate. This approach, which has a long history of success in Canada and Europe, tackles the underlying causes of disruptive behavior, such as difficulty managing emotions and impulses.

Once I got comfortable with the youth workers, it was easier to enjoy and learn

— JordanJordan explains the importance of the relationships built with program staff in their engagement with Alternative Suspension.

The program's success lies in its ability to connect with students like Jordan, who felt their needs weren't met in a traditional school setting. By teaching conflict management and impulse control, 'Alternative Suspension' aims to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate challenges, ultimately reducing their risk of suspension and fostering a more positive relationship with learning. The program's expansion across New South Wales demonstrates a growing recognition of the need for such tailored interventions in addressing youth behavioral issues.

We can't force them... [But] those relationships really help keep them in the program.

— Sarah HintonSarah Hinton, youth program coordinator, highlights the reliance on relationship-building to maintain student participation in the program.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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