A Closer Look At The Suspensions of African American Students
UNDERSTANDING FACTORS, POLICIES AND PRACTICES IN A SOUTH BALTIMORE SCHOOL
This qualitative research study examined the suspensions of African American students at a south Baltimore k-8 school. The research delved into the perceptions of African American students, school and district administrators to determine what factors, policies and practices influenced the suspension rates among African American students who were the minority-majority at the school. It also sought to delineate the implications of reducing suspensions among African American students, and finally provided recommendations from study participants on how to reduce the suspension rates of African American students.
By Theodosia M. Edwards; M.Ed., M.P.A., Ed.D.
EDLD Dissertation
The researcher concluded that while the suspension rates of students increased at the school and for African American students between 2012-2014, the trend since 2014 has been a continuing decline in the suspension of all students and African American students. The researcher also found that factors such as school and community culture, the lack of student interventions, and a coherent restorative practices model, among other factors, have all influenced the suspension rates of African American students.
Dr. Theodosia M. Edwards
Research Study: A Closer Look At The Suspensions of African American Students
“UNDERSTANDING FACTORS, POLICIES AND, PRACTICES IN A SOUTH BALTIMORE SCHOOL: A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SUSPENSIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS
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A focus on providing resources through mental and counseling supports, and ongoing professional development for staff, students, teachers, and community members would help all stakeholders to take ownership of student behaviors and would help to increase the outcomes of African American students while reducing the need for out of school suspensions.