If a student gets in-school suspension (ISS) too often, it can lead to several negative consequences. Repeated ISS may cause the student to fall behind in their classwork since they are separated from regular classroom instruction. This can make it harder to keep up with lessons and complete assignments on time. Frequent ISS can also damage a student’s reputation with teachers and classmates, making it difficult to build positive relationships. Over time, the student may feel disconnected from school activities and lose motivation to improve their behavior. In some cases, constant disciplinary issues could lead to more serious punishments, such as out-of-school suspension or even expulsion.
Does ISS Go on Your Record?
Yes, in-school suspension (ISS) usually goes on a student’s disciplinary record. While it might not appear on official transcripts sent to colleges, it can be reviewed by school administrators when considering future disciplinary actions. Repeated ISS offenses can create a pattern of behavior that schools may take seriously.
How Many Days Can a Student Be in ISS?
The number of days a student can spend in ISS depends on the school’s policies and the severity of the behavior. Some schools assign ISS for just one day for minor infractions, while more serious or repeated offenses might result in several days. In extreme cases, a student could face longer ISS periods, but schools often try to correct behavior before it reaches that point.
Does ISS Affect Your Future?
In most cases, ISS does not directly affect a student’s future, especially if it only happens once. It’s important to remember that frequent ISS can lead to falling behind in schoolwork and may hurt relationships with teachers and peers. If the behavior continues, it could lead to harsher punishments that might impact college applications or job opportunities. Making better choices after receiving ISS can help prevent long-term consequences.
What Causes a Student To Have ISS?
In-School Suspension (ISS) is a disciplinary action given to students who break school rules or engage in disruptive behavior that affects the learning environment. This can include actions like talking back to teachers, fighting, refusing to follow instructions, bullying, cheating, or being repeatedly late to class. ISS is used to correct behavior while keeping the student on school grounds, separating them from regular classes to complete work in a designated room. Most ISS assignments are given for violating the school’s code of conduct after less severe punishments have been tried. By addressing these behaviors, schools aim to correct the student’s actions without removing them completely from the educational setting.
Can Students Access Teachers or Other Support While in ISS?
Students in In-School Suspension (ISS) can usually access their teachers and other support services, but it may be limited. Teachers may send assignments to the ISS room, and some schools allow students to ask for help through written questions or scheduled visits. The level of support depends on the school’s policies and the reason for the suspension.
Is ISS Considered a More Serious Punishment Than Detention?
Yes, ISS is generally seen as a more serious punishment than detention. While detention typically takes place before or after school for minor rule violations, ISS removes students from their regular classes for an entire school day or more. This punishment is used for more serious or repeated behavioral issues that need stronger consequences.
How Does ISS Differ from Out-of-School Suspension?
The main difference between ISS and out-of-school suspension (OSS) is that students in ISS remain on school grounds, while OSS sends students home. ISS allows students to continue completing schoolwork in a supervised setting, whereas OSS can cause students to fall behind in their studies. ISS also gives schools a chance to correct behavior without fully removing the student from the learning environment.
What Are the Goals of ISS?
The main goals of ISS are to encourage students to reflect on their behavior and make better choices in the future. ISS is designed to correct behavior through isolation from regular classes while still allowing students to complete their schoolwork. Schools use ISS to promote responsibility and prevent repeated rule-breaking by providing structure and consequences.
What Happens if a Student Continues to Misbehave While in ISS?
If a student continues to misbehave during ISS, they may face more severe consequences. This could include additional days in ISS, out-of-school suspension, or even expulsion for serious offenses. Continued misbehavior shows that the student is not responding to corrective measures, which may lead to stricter disciplinary actions.
What Are the Rules in ISS?
In In-School Suspension (ISS), students must follow strict rules to maintain order and encourage better behavior. They are usually required to stay silent, work on assigned schoolwork, and remain seated at all times unless given permission to move. Electronic devices, such as phones or tablets, are often not allowed to prevent distractions. Students are expected to complete all their assignments and follow the directions of the ISS supervisor. Breaking any of these rules can result in additional punishment, such as more time in ISS or even more serious disciplinary actions.
Can You Talk to a Counselor While in ISS?
Yes, you can usually talk to a counselor while in In-School Suspension (ISS). Schools understand that students in ISS may be dealing with personal or academic issues that need support. If you feel the need to speak with a counselor, you can ask the ISS supervisor or teacher for permission. They will likely contact the counselor to arrange a meeting. Talking to a counselor can help you work through problems and prevent future behavior that could lead to ISS again.
Do Parents Get Notified About ISS?
Yes, parents are usually notified when their child is placed in In-School Suspension (ISS). Most schools have policies that require informing parents about disciplinary actions, including ISS. This notification may be given through a phone call, email, or a written notice sent home. The school will typically explain the reason for the suspension and how long it will last. Keeping parents informed helps them understand the situation and work with the school to address their child’s behavior.
Can ISS Lead to Expulsion in School?
In-School Suspension (ISS) by itself does not usually lead to expulsion, but repeated or severe behavior that results in ISS can increase the risk. ISS is often used as a way to correct behavior without removing a student from the school environment. It’s important to know that if a student continues to break school rules after multiple ISS assignments, the school may take stronger disciplinary actions. Serious offenses, such as violence or bringing weapons or drugs to school, could lead to immediate expulsion without going through ISS first. Schools use these steps to encourage better behavior while keeping the learning environment safe for everyone.
Can ISS Last a Whole School Year?
No, In-School Suspension (ISS) typically does not last an entire school year. ISS is designed to be a short-term consequence that allows students to reflect on their behavior while still completing their schoolwork. The length of ISS usually ranges from one day to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the student’s actions. For more serious or repeated offenses, schools may consider other disciplinary actions, such as Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) or expulsion. The goal of ISS is to correct behavior and help students return to regular classes, not to separate them from the learning environment for an extended period.
Understanding In-School Suspension (ISS) and Its Impact on Students
In-School Suspension (ISS) is a disciplinary measure used by schools to address student misbehavior while allowing them to remain on campus. It is designed as an alternative to Out-of-School Suspension (OSS), offering students the chance to continue their education in a structured environment while reflecting on their actions. In ISS, students are separated from their regular classes and placed in a supervised room where they are expected to complete their assignments quietly and follow strict rules. The goal of ISS is to correct negative behavior without completely removing students from the learning environment, providing them with an opportunity to improve and make better decisions in the future. ISS can have both positive and negative effects on students depending on how it is implemented and how students respond to the experience.
One of the main purposes of ISS is to help students understand the consequences of their actions while still allowing them to keep up with their schoolwork. Unlike OSS, where students are sent home and miss valuable class time, ISS keeps students in school and gives them the chance to complete their assignments. This setup helps prevent students from falling too far behind academically. Teachers often provide work for students in ISS, and supervisors ensure that the work is completed. For some students, this structure can serve as a wake-up call, encouraging them to follow school rules and avoid future disciplinary actions. Staying in school reduces the chances of students engaging in risky behavior that can occur when they are unsupervised at home during OSS.
ISS Can Also Present Academic Challenges.
ISS can present academic challenges. While students are given their assignments to complete, they miss out on direct instruction, class discussions, group work, and hands-on activities that are critical for deeper learning. Without access to their teachers, students may struggle to understand lessons, especially in subjects where they need extra help. Over time, missing important lessons can cause students to fall behind academically, which can lead to lower grades and increased frustration. For students who already have academic difficulties, ISS can make it even harder to stay on track. Schools must balance discipline with academic support to ensure that ISS does not harm a student’s long-term educational success.
Socially, ISS can also affect a student’s relationships with peers and teachers. Being placed in ISS separates students from their friends and the school community, which can lead to feelings of isolation. This separation can harm their social development and make it harder for them to build positive relationships with others. Students who are frequently placed in ISS may develop a negative reputation among teachers and classmates, leading to further isolation and possibly even bullying. Teachers may become less willing to offer help if they feel a student is not putting in the effort to change. This cycle of isolation and frustration can discourage students from participating in school activities and connecting with supportive peers and adults.
Behaviorally, ISS is intended to teach students about accountability and encourage them to change their behavior. For some students, ISS alone may not be enough to correct repeated misconduct. If a student is placed in ISS multiple times, it could indicate deeper issues that need to be addressed, such as emotional struggles, peer pressure, or problems at home. In these cases, schools may need to provide additional support, such as counseling, mentoring, or behavior intervention programs, to help the student make positive changes. Without proper support, students may continue to misbehave, leading to harsher consequences like Out-of-School Suspension or even expulsion. Schools must recognize when repeated ISS is not working and offer alternative solutions to help students succeed.
Repeat Offender of ISS
Repeated ISS can have long-term effects on a student’s future opportunities. Many schools keep records of disciplinary actions, and a history of frequent ISS placements could affect a student’s chances of transferring to another school or participating in extracurricular activities. For older students, disciplinary records may also impact college applications or job opportunities. Colleges and employers often look for responsible, disciplined individuals, and a record of repeated ISS could raise concerns about a student’s ability to follow rules and work well with others. This makes it even more important for students to take ISS seriously and use it as a chance to improve their behavior and decision-making skills.
Despite these challenges, ISS can be a useful tool for encouraging personal growth when paired with the right support systems. Many schools offer counseling, behavior intervention programs, and mentoring to help students address the root causes of their behavior. These programs can teach students important life skills, such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. By combining ISS with supportive resources, schools can guide students toward making better choices and achieving long-term success. Involving parents in the disciplinary process can help reinforce positive behavior changes at home and school.
Students also have a role in making ISS a learning experience. Taking responsibility for their actions and reflecting on what led to ISS can help them avoid similar situations in the future. Seeking help from counselors, teachers, or mentors can provide valuable guidance and support. Participating in positive school activities, such as clubs or sports, can help students build better relationships with their peers and teachers while staying engaged in a supportive environment. By making better decisions and using available resources, students can turn a negative situation into an opportunity for personal growth and improvement.
In-School Suspension (ISS) is an Academic Tool
In-School Suspension (ISS) is a disciplinary tool designed to correct student behavior while keeping them engaged in their education. While it can help prevent students from falling behind academically compared to Out-of-School Suspension, it still presents challenges, such as missed instruction, social isolation, and the risk of repeated misbehavior. When used correctly and combined with supportive programs, ISS can encourage students to reflect on their actions and make positive changes. It’s important to know that without proper support, repeated ISS can lead to more serious consequences, harm academic performance, damage social relationships, and limit future opportunities. It is essential for schools, parents, and students to work together to address the root causes of behavior issues and ensure that ISS serves as a stepping stone toward success rather than a barrier. By taking responsibility and using available support systems, students can learn from their mistakes and work toward a brighter future.
JC Pohl, LMFT
President & CEO, TEEN TRUTH
