Repeated School Suspensions: Impact on Student Academic and Behavior Outcomes

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Current Topics in Special Education Poster Session

Abstract

Although school suspensions have been correlated with negative school outcomes, it is a common formal response given to students whose behavior is deemed problematic. We examined: (a) demographic characteristics of students who received repeated suspensions from elementary to high school, (b) common infractions that resulted in school suspensions, and (c) the impact of repeated suspensions on students’ later academic and behavior outcomes. We found that male, Black, and students with disabilities disproportionately received repeated suspensions with minor infractions reported as the most common reasons. Regression analyses revealed the significant and negative impact of repeated suspensions in the early grades on the number of suspensions students received in secondary school. Additionally, special education status significantly predicted students’ 8th grade reading scores.

Authors

• Kemal Afacan, Artvin Coruh University

• Kimber L. Wilkerson, University of Wisconsin