Reducing Suspensions, Rebuilding Connection — The Power of Behavior Intervention

Behavioral challenges are inevitable, but missed class time, reactive discipline, and punitive suspensions don’t have to be. When students are removed from school instead of supported through it, the long-term impact on learning, equity, and well-being is significant.

Fairfax School District took a different approach. Using Navigate360 Behavior Intervention curriculum, they built a flexible, student-centered system that helped reduce suspensions by 35%, increase student engagement, and equip staff with tools that work. This is more than a case study, it’s a model for what’s possible when behavior intervention becomes part of the learning journey.

Suspensions Don't Fix Behavior. They Disrupt Learning.

Removing students from class in response to behavioral issues is still common, but it often makes the problem worse, especially for vulnerable populations. Fairfax School District knew that sending students home was only reinforcing disconnect and missed opportunities.

Why Intervention Works Better:

Keeps students in class and connected to caring adults
Supports growth through personalized, skill-based lessons
Builds self-regulation, empathy, and accountability
Aligns with PBIS and MTSS frameworks to strengthen equity and consistency

Fairfax didn't just reduce suspensions. They helped students feel heard—and gave educators the tools to respond, not react.

Earlier this year, Alabama introduced legislation requiring schools to provide school employees training for and access to a mobile emergency rapid response system. The bill, HB234, requires employees to have a device that links directly to law enforcement to speed the response time in an emergency. If passed, the law becomes effective October 1, 2025, and stipulates compliance by October 1, 2030.

The law is modeled after Alyssa’s Law, already enacted in other states. Alyssa’s Law is named for 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre.

A Proven Approach to Safer, More Supportive Schools

Key Takeaways:

Why flexible, personalized behavior lessons lead to better outcomes
How Navigate360’s curriculum fits into Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports
The importance of meeting students at their level—including reading ability and personal interests
How Fairfax increased staff confidence and school connectedness
A 35% drop in suspensions across the district—and 31% among students with disabilities

From classroom teachers to counselors and psychologists, Fairfax staff used Navigate360's curriculum to help students reflect, self-regulate, and stay on track. By integrating behavior intervention into IEPs, SEL efforts, and family engagement, they built a stronger, more unified approach.

"Since implementing Navigate360 Behavior Intervention, we’ve seen a drop in suspensions—but more importantly, we’ve seen a shift in how students respond to support. They’re being heard, not just disciplined."

— Moishe Garde, Chief Administrator of Student Services

Reducing Suspensions, Rebuilding Connection — The Power of Behavior Intervention

Suspensions Don't Fix Behavior. They Disrupt Learning.

Be Proactive in Protecting Your School Community

A Proven Approach to Safer, More Supportive Schools

"Behavior Intervention Became a Cornerstone of Our Support System"

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