Suspending Suspensions: The Education Production Consequences of School Suspension Policies*

Abstract

Abstract Managing student behaviour is integral to the education production process. We study the trade-offs of school suspension policies by modelling and estimating how changes in school suspension policies causally impact student performance and teacher turnover. Our results indicate that the reduction in suspension rates in the Los Angeles Unified School District decreased math and English test scores, decreased grade point averages and increased absences. Teacher turnover also increased, particularly for inexperienced teachers. We also document an efficiency-equity trade-off: while achievement decreased for most students in the district, the highest-risk students experienced moderate gains in achievement.