Walter’s Elementary directly reflected the current research on the issue of discipline with regards to top disciplinary issues as well as the overrepresentation of African Americans in discipline data. Hispanics however were also overrepresented in their data which is contrasting to Walter’s Elementary. The Hispanic population percentages of the study body were also drastically higher at Tucson Unified Schools.
Personal Perspective: Greatest Issue in School Discipline Today
The most prevalent issue in school discipline today is insubordination/disorderly conduct. These issues are most often addressed by dispensing in or out-of-school suspensions. Suspensions remove students from the learning environment and in turn are a detriment to the educational system. Zero tolerance policies …show more content…
The majority of students that are reprimanded are black males. This in turn places vulnerable students into uncontrolled environments which often leads to further decline in social and behavioral skills. Without the proper guidance these students lack the tools necessary to become productive members of society. Current school discipline statistics foreshadow the statistics of our judicial system.
In light of the data-analysis on discipline I would, with the help of current staff, develop and implement a school wide positive behavior support system. This would encompass detailed plans that would address universal, group and individual behavior issues.
I would also further investigate why black males are receiving the majority of the referrals that consequently remove them from school. Once more analysis has been complete I would target sub-groups of these students that are displaying pre-problematic behaviors. I would also implement individual interventions for students who show an on-going history of behavioral