The Use of Stand-downs in New Zealand Schools: What are the Issues?

Abstract

In 2013, schools in New Zealand stood-down nearly 12,000 students as a result of behavioural difficulties. Research indicates that rather than improving behaviour, stand-downs can reinforce inappropriate behaviour and potentially put students at-risk. This paper overviews the use of stand-downs in New Zealand schools, discussing the nature and extent of their use. Using examples from a small case study based around two secondary school students who had recently been stood-down, the potential adverse effects and impacts of school stand-down are discussed, and arguments put forward for finding alternatives to the practice.