Schools across the nation report increases in the use of punitive disciplinary methods (e.g., suspension). The need for these disciplinary practices to address serious student misconduct is undisputed. What research has questioned is why some students seem to be suspended more often than others, what effects suspension has on students, and whether or when alternatives to suspension might be more effective practices than suspension itself. This research brief summarizes the most recent research findings on suspension and alternatives to suspension. It covers the basic scientific evidence on student and school characteristics related to the use of suspension, the effects of suspension on students, and the effectiveness of alternatives to suspension.