Understanding the Racial & Economic Gap in School Discipline: Examining Exclusionary Discipline across School Characteristics

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

The importance of education and its impact on the probability of engaging in the criminal behavior remains undisputed among researchers. However, the cause and impact of school discipline are not fully described. This quantitative study explores the impact of the various personal and educational characteristics on the disciplinary actions in the school environment. Data derived from 404 high schools in Pennsylvania yield interesting results surrounding the correlations between the race, economic status, attendance, academic performance, school suspensions, and expulsions. These findings are especially critical in a time where zero-tolerance policies and the school-to-prison pipeline are at the forefront of education.

Author

• Jacob-Paul Carson Taylor, Alvernia University