Use of Out-of-School Suspensions in the Early Grades of U.S. Public Schools

• In Event: Critical Issues Regarding Classroom Management and Discipline

Abstract

Out-of-school suspension (OSS) puts at risk the goals of helping students be prepared for life-long learning. This is particularly true in the early grades of schooling. Using a national data set, we found that rates of use of OSS in early grades were of concern, particularly in pre-kindergarten, and that there was considerable variability across the U.S. Additionally, disparities were found with higher rates for Black children relative to White children, and particularly for Black girls. It was concluded that there is a need for more research to better understand the factors that predict the use of OSS to help develop effective prevention and intervention efforts to reduce its use, especially to reduce disparities.

Authors

• Richard Fabes, Arizona State University

• Matthew Quick, Arizona State University - Tempe

• Evandra Catherine, Arizona State University

• Darielle Blevins, Arizona State University - Tempe

• Aryn Musgrave, City of Phoenix