Educational Studies Prof. Carl Cohn to chair statewide network on school discipline

Carl Cohn, professor in Claremont Graduate University’s School of Educational Studies, is leading a new initiative that will bring together educators and administrators from California’s public schools to share best practices for disciplinary policies.

Cohn will serve as chairman of The Educators Network for Effective School Discourse, which was launched this fall by EdSource, an advocate for education in California.

“Our goal is to generate ideas and encourage participation from those most responsible for implementing a district’s or school’s discipline policies,” Cohn said. “Rather than trying to suggest top-down approaches, we are most interested in generating solutions from the bottom up.”

As part of an effort to reduce suspensions and expulsions, the initiative responds to a need for state educators to have a voice in disciplinary policy at the national level. Rather than a one-size-fits all approach, which is not viable for California’s diverse public school system, the network will connect educators at all levels and provide them with tools, skills, and models for implementing effective and preventative policies that will promote positive behavior and reduce punitive action against students.

In addition to being a forum for educators to share ideas, the network also plans to facilitate workshops so school officials can address specific concerns relating to their districts. Educators interested in joining the network are encouraged to visit the EdSource website.

Cohn, whose distinguished career in education spans more than 30 years, is the co-director of the Urban Leadership Program at CGU. He served as the superintendent of schools for the San Diego Unified School District from 2005 to 2007 and as the superintendent of schools for the Long Beach Unified School District from 1992 to 2002. During his leadership in Long Beach, the district achieved record attendance, the lowest rate of suspension in a decade, decreases in student failure and dropout rates, and an increase in the number of students taking college preparatory classes.

In 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown appointed him to the State Board of Education, where he continues to serve.