A Multilevel Analysis of Black Male Secondary Student Discipline in Relation to Violence Exposure

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Ideologies and the Academic Experience of Black Boys

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine responsive in-school interventions to improve school experience and outcomes for Black male students exposed to neighborhood violence and who potentially become “members” of the school-to-prison pipeline. Spatial and multilevel modeling revealed statistically significant links between individual Black male student suspensions and arrest (out of school), homelessness and special education, together with neighborhood level violence exposure. Results confirm the need for improved data collection/monitoring and discipline reform, and lend impetus for inclusion of in-school interventions that are trauma-sensitive, culturally responsive and mental health and wellness based. The quantitative methods utilized in this study offer research and practitioner tools for identifying disparities in student discipline while concurrently formulating directions for policy reform

Authors

• Laurie A. Garo, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Chance W. Lewis, University of North Carolina - Charlotte