Is School Expulsion Really That Bad?
By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 When parents of California schoolchildren are faced with a potential school expulsion, numerous thoughts run through their minds, such as: "What will happen to Johnny if he is expelled? Where will he go to school? What will happen to his future plans?" Ultimately, with a long process ahead of them, exclusion from the regular school during the wait and a scary expulsion hearing hanging over their heads, many just give up or give in without thinking through potential consequences. During this process, parents may also ask "DOES SCHOOL EXPULSION REALLY MATTER?" Parents may believe that expulsion is only a "short break," and that Johnny will soon return to school. It is "no big deal" if he attends the local continuation school and goes back to his elementary, junior or high school next year. However, return to school cannot be guaranteed (if the expulsion terms are not met...