In a Wisconsin State Journal article on Sept. 2, the first day of school for the 2014-15 school year, a number of changes for the Madison Schools are highlighted. Notable among them is a change in the student discipline code that can hopefully keep more youth in the classroom and reduce the number of youth suspended or even expelled.

Madison is not alone. Districts around the nation are making changes to better find the balance between maintaining school safety and a positive environment and keeping as many youth as possible engaged in learning. In a Huffington Post article, titled With an Eye Toward Equity, Schools Rethink Discipline, changes that have taken place in high profile/big-city districts like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and others are noted – elevating the importance of achieving equity in practice across racial groups and promoting positive outcomes for all students – something that benefits everyone in the end.

I have little doubt that making this transition is not always easy, that transforming the culture of a school takes vision, persistent leadership, resources, and time. But, the great achievements are rarely the easiest, so we applaud the Madison School District for taking a step forward – like others, we will anxiously await the outcomes. by Jim Moeser