Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Exclusionary School Discipline: Implications for Administrators Leading Discipline Reform Efforts

Abstract

School discipline and school safety are primary areas of concern for school administrators. This article summarizes the research literature regarding suspension in response to nonviolent and subjective offenses for racial/ethnic minorities. Steps that administrators can follow in applying a root cause analysis with a focus on school practices are provided. The following three areas of professional development and teacher support are offered to facilitate changes in school practices: (1) implicit bias, (2) empathy training, and (3) classroom consultation/teacher supports.