Perception or Reality: Students' Perception of School Suspension

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

This study explores the student’s perspective of school suspensions through semi-structured qualitative interviews. Previous research on school suspensions has focused largely on data collected from or reported by school officials. Thus, we know considerably less about the meaning and impact of suspensions from students who have experienced them. Students from public schools in Cumberland County, North Carolina will give their view of how they felt when suspended, how they were treated returning after a suspension, if they felt differently after the suspension, how their parent/guardian responded to the suspension, and how they felt about the school suspension policy. In addition, students will give their perception of the “fairness” of school suspensions. Finally, students will be asked their perspective about what kinds of students are the most likely to be suspended, if witnesses impact suspensions, and if in-school suspensions and out-of-school suspensions bring about similar or different responses.

Authors

• Zahra Shekarkhar, Fayetteville State University

• Lori Guevara, Fayetteville State University

• Joe Brown, Fayetteville State University

• Karen McElrath, Fayetteville State University