Predictors of School Suspension in Elementary School for Low-Income, Ethnically Diverse Children

• In Event: Roundtable Session 49
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Analysis of Race, Class, Gender, and Ethnicity in Elementary School Contexts

Abstract

Most research on disproportionate suspensions for children of color has been conducted with secondary school students. Using an ethnically diverse, low-income sample from the Miami School Readiness Project (N = 39,254; 58% Hispanic, 35.3% Black; 6.5% other; 80.2% free/reduced lunch), we investigated predictors of suspension during elementary school (K-5), including gender, ethnicity, SES, disability and ELL status, and early behavior problems, and social skills. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that even in elementary school, and even in an ethnically diverse community like Miami, Black students, males, those with a disability, and in poverty are more likely to be suspended, even controlling for early behavior problems and social skills. More work needs to be done to achieve fair discipline in schools.

Authors

• David Matthew

• Jameela Conway-Turner, George Mason University

• Adam Winsler, George Mason University