4 Point Plan to Empower Our Youth and Stop Them From Being Pushed Out of Schools and Into Prison
1. Implement Supportive Behavior Models for Youth Instead of Expulsion and Suspension
It is counter productive to push students out of school and into the streets as a way of correcting “behavioral problems”. Education Not Incarceration (ENI) collaborates with the National Education Association to implement best practices alternative discipline models to punitive action, such as the Positive Behavior Support model adopted successfully in Dallas and Florida and piloted in Los Angeles.
2. Support Positive Learning Environments with Strong, Culturally Aware Educators and Empowering Curricula
Education Not Incarceration (ENI) advocates for educators to have the training and resources they need to be sensitive to the diverse needs of their students. ENI promotes the adoption of culturally relevant curricula, which empower and motivate students to be passionate about learning. ENI believes that students should receive individual attention in safe modern schools with small learning communities, small class sizes and up-to-date resources.
3. Create Community Schools
Education Not Incarceration (ENI) advocates for schools to incorporate wrap-around programming and support services for students, families and local communities, such as those promoted by Coalition for Community Schools. ENI believes educational institutions should include a variety of learning opportunities, during and after school, including health services, student/parent counseling, music, art, mentoring, and career training and placement
4. Guarantee Full Scholarships to College, Vocational Programs, or Living Wage Jobs to All Students Who Complete High School
Education Not Incarceration (ENI) works to provide high school students incentive to sustain academic achievement and participation, instilling them with a vision that connects their present educational efforts to their future success. Similar to the “Kalamazoo Promise” which provides full scholarships to high school graduates in Kalamazoo, Michigan, ENI believes government and businesses should provide students with guaranteed living wage employment or free access to higher education after high school completion.