‘It’s About to Get Real in Here': Examining School Discipline in the Context of Policy Reform

• In Event: Reforming School Discipline and Policing

Abstract

Whether brought to popular attention by media reports, congressional hearings, or national reports, the topic of punitive disciplinary practices within education has received growing awareness. Evidenced by investigations lead by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Office of Civil Rights (OCR), schools across the nation are under pressure to reform disciplinary practices that have brought about racial disparities in punishment, the school-to-prison pipeline, and failing school environments. As a result, school officials and legislators are beginning to modify policies regarding how to best respond to student misconduct. Though the criminalization of school discipline has received growing attention, research has yet to document, evaluate, and uncover current policy reforms. In order to fill this gap, this study explores how policy reforms have influenced school discipline by employing a mixed methods approach drawing from ethnographic research, in-depth interviews, and survey data. Specifically, this effort examines school disciplinary reform by focusing on the form and content of new practices; their corrective actions and unintended consequences; and how these policies influence the larger school environment. As prior evidence suggests, accomplishing this is a positive step toward creating a better school climate which can increase students’ academic achievement, engagement, and overall safety.

Author

• John Brent, University of Delaware