Date of Award
Winter 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
Department
Transformative Education and Social Change
Committee Chairperson
John Elmore, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Dana Morrison, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Jason Wozniak, Ph.D.
Abstract
In this thesis, the goal will be to reflect on the use of schools’ current disciplinary models which includes in-school and out-of-school suspensions and are often an immediate response to mitigating disruptive and risky behaviors displayed by our students, particularly, in urban school districts. While most schools in urban settings have utilized out-of-school suspensions as an end all solution to extinguishing disruptive behaviors. Significant research on this topic reveals that in low-income school settings, out-of-school suspension has resulted in more harmful outcomes on a particular population of students. Where out-of-school suspensions as a solution has failed, as it often does, understanding the urban population of children through education, along with effective and consistent parent and community engagement have proven effective in decreasing disruptive and risky behaviors in and beyond the school walls resulting in a decline in drop-out rates among low-income and socioeconomically disadvantaged students. This research paper will work to reveal the levels of change that are required to improve an urban school’s disciplinary practices, yield positive societal change and produce a productive and positive school experience for our urban youth.
Recommended Citation
Dixon, Jennifer and Dixon, Jennifer, "Reducing Out-of-School Suspension in Urban Districts: The Utilization of Alternative Interventions for Disruptive and Risky Behaviors" (2024). West Chester University Master’s Theses. 329.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_theses/329