Violence Exposure and Fear in Schools: Paths to Suspension Following Violence Exposure in Early Childhood (Poster 23)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: How Do We Support Student and Teacher Learning and Development During the Adolescent and College Years?

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between violence exposure in early childhood and school suspension, examining whether fear in schools and teacher-reported externalizing behavior mediate this relationship. Data from the LONGSCAN consortium and causal mediation and path models were used to examine the relationship between violence exposure at age six, fear in schools at age 6, teacher-reported externalizing behaviors at age eight, and suspension ages 11 – 12. Findings indicate both fear in schools and teacher-reported externalizing behavior mediate the relationship between violence exposure and school suspension. Findings suggest policies prohibiting suspension in childhood and the provision of additional services in schools may help prevent children who are exposed to violence from experiencing school suspension and its associated consequences.

Author

• Abigail Novak, University of Mississippi