Many years ago, I served as dean in an East Harlem junior high school. I maintained a strict policy of the immediate removal of disruptive students from the classroom. This allowed teachers to instruct in an environment conducive to learning. Teachers were required to do a follow-up on removed students and the students were still responsible for homework assignments.

Disruptive students were placed in my very large office and they were aware that any insubordination there would result in suspensions; this was never necessary. Schools cannot do away with suspensions but it should be the last resort. Disruptive students are students who failed to learn and come to school afraid to fail and act out in desperation.

My book, “Reflections on 30 Years of Teaching in East Harlem,” has a valuable chapter on dealing with the disruptive student.