Out-of-school suspension and school discipline policies: Analyzing change over time in one state

Abstract

We examined changes in school discipline policies and the odds of suspension for students by race in one state. Consistent with previous research findings, Black students continue to be suspended at higher rates than White students. School district code of conduct policies indicated that many school districts have started to incorporate alternatives to suspension in their codes of conduct; nonetheless, in- and out-of-school suspension continued to be the most prominent consequences found in school district handbooks to respond to student behavioral infractions. We examined these policy changes alongside out-of-school suspension data to discuss the implications this has for school administrators and policy reform at the local, state, and national level.

Keywords:

• code of conduct
• discipline policies
• disproportionate suspension practices
• out-of-school suspension
• school discipline

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kristine A. Camacho

Kristine A. Camacho is an assistant professor at Worcester State University. Her research interests include school discipline, multi-tiered systems of support, and school crisis intervention.

Michael P. Krezmien

Michael P. Krezmien is the director of the Center for Youth Engagement at UMass, Amherst. He is dedicated to improving outcomes for historically marginalized learners.

Ali P. Duchemin

Ali P. Duchemin is a school psychologist in Auburn, Washington.

Andrew T. Nickerson

Andrew T. Nickerson is a school psychologist in Ashland, Massachusetts.

Rebecca E. Wallace

Rebecca E. Wallace is a school psychologist in Summerville, South Carolina.

Candace A. Mulcahy

Dr. Candace Mulcahy is an associate professor, special education, at Binghamton University (SUNY). Her research focuses on academic and behavior policies and practices that lead to school exclusion of students with disabilities.