Use of Emergency Services for Disruptive Student Behavior in New York City Public Schools

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Hitting or Honey: Responding to Student Behavior

Abstract

During the 2011-2012 school year, NYC schools called EMS 13,967 times. Of these calls, 26% were related to behavioral incidents. This practice of removing misbehaving students by EMS is traumatizing and deprives students of class time. This paper describes the implementation and outcomes of a lawsuit settlement focused on EMS removals from NYC schools. Results show improvements in some districts while calls and transports have actually increased for others. Trends for students with disabilities and/or students of color were also noted. Findings point to the importance of targeted policies and practices to reduce schools’ reliance on EMS. Policies that redirect resources to increase equity and access by positively addressing disruptive behaviors and reserving EMS for appropriate emergency use are critical.

Authors

• Annahita Ball, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Nelson Mar, Legal Services NYC

• Elizabeth A Mellin, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Jay Ackley, Legal Services NYC

• Alana Gunn, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Jeffrey Winthal, Binghamton University

• Laura Bronstein, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Dominic Davy, Binghamton University - SUNY