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We as lawmakers, education professionals and advocates have launched a campaign to Restore Respect at School.  We have a responsibility to inform parents, families and community stakeholders that three factors are denying their neighborhood schools and neighborhood students the ability to leap ahead in education and to be globally competitive:  School discipline issues/high suspension rates, school absenteeism, and insufficient out-of-school learning. 

School discipline issues are driving the best and brightest teachers and principals from the lowest-performing classrooms and schools, undercutting critical classroom learning time, and costing local school systems millions of dollars during tight budgetary times to replace and retrain new personnel. 

Chronic absenteeism/truancy are at epidemic levels in some area school systems.  Suspensions and truancy are also the earliest indicator of potential juvenile delinquency and likely school dropout.  

Research says that students need 8 to 15 hours of fully engaged out-of-school learning to have academic success. Few students are spending enough time out-of-school reinforcing the skills learned in the classroom, and therefore not enough students are testing and performing at an "advanced" level, and in a position to be globally competitive.

We ask parents, families and communities to join us in a regional effort to help Restore Respect at School.   Principals, teachers and school systems need your help to: 

1)  Reduce high suspension rates:  Specifically, we need your help reducing suspensions for disrespect, insubordination and classroom disruption offenses; 

2)  Reduce absenteeism from school: Ensure students are present and on-time for school; and 

3)  Ensure 8 to 15 Hours Study Time:  We urge parents, families and communities to make sure students under your influence are spending 15 or more hours per week at home or in an after school program completing homework and reinforcing the skills learned in the classroom.

Restore Respect at School and Meet the Global Challenge for the Nation!