A Comprehensive Study of School Climate, Discipline, and Safety in New York City: Qualitative Study

• In Event: 21.062 - MTCC Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: 21.062-6 - Restorative Justice in Schools: Rationale, Implementation, Outcomes, and Caveats

Abstract

As the first-ever comprehensive study of school climate, discipline, and safety in New York City, this study employed a rigorous mixed-method design with two research strategies: (1) a comprehensive quantitative analysis analyzing the effects of variations in neighborhood context; school structure and population characteristics; personal student characteristics; school climate and culture; security measures; positive interventions; and other safety practices and outcomes; and (2) in-depth case studies in five schools using alternatives to suspension to explore on-the-ground implementation lessons. This presentation focuses on the qualitative case studies. The qualitative findings highlight school safety, climate and culture, especially experiences with existing security measures; experiences and feedback about alternative approaches, including whole school approaches, prevention programs, guidance interventions and restorative approaches; how other schools might succeed in implementing similar practices. This study helps fill a gap in the scholarly literature on “what works” and has important implications for educators and justice policymakers nationwide.

Authors

• Talia Sandwick, The Graduate Center, City University of New York

• Josy Hahn, NYC Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice / Center for Court Innovation