Parent's Perspectives on School Discipline: Results from a National Survey

• In Event: New Perspectives on School Punishment and Security

Abstract

School discipline has become a contentious public policy debate. Parents/caregivers have a vested interest in discipline as key figures in children’s behavioral development, central school stakeholders, and as individuals who often take part in schools’ discipline responses. From parent conferences to staying at home with suspended students, parents are regularly part of and are affected by school discipline. Despite this, parents’ perspectives have been the subject of little empirical research. Drawing from a national sample (n=442) of parents/caregivers of K-12 students, this study seeks to understand their perspectives on school discipline, their level of involvement, and their perspectives on potential improvements. Using a mixed-methods analysis, this study provides evidence from surveys of respondents whose demographics approximate those of the US parent population. We find parents are generally pleased with their level of involvement in discipline of their own children but desire more involvement in discipline policy. They express the importance of consistently implementing discipline, yet many acknowledge disparities for students of color. Parents/caregivers show support for practices like suspension and alternatives like restorative justice, contrasting with prior literature and advocacy that points to the harms of exclusionary discipline. The study examines subgroup differences and discusses implications for policy and practice.

Authors

• Chris Curran, University of Florida

• Jiyeon Goo, University of Florida