The Use of PBIS in Resolving Ethical Dilemmas Created by Disproportionate Punitive Practice for Students of Color

Author(s):  
Natasha Ferrell ◽  
Tricia Crosby-Cooper

Disciplinary practices in the K-12 setting have historically shown a higher propensity for harsher punitive practices for students of color. This is evidenced by years of research describing disproportionate disciplinary practices. These disproportionate practices have created an ethical dilemma in our school system, as students of color have experienced higher rates of office discipline referrals, school suspensions, and expulsions. One method used in the school system to address disproportionate punitive practices is positive behavior intervention supports (PBIS). Positive behavior intervention supports is a systematic pro-active and preventative model that uses evidence-based interventions to reduce behaviors of concern. This chapter examines the use of PBIS to address the ethical dilemma created in the school system due to disproportionate punitive practices.

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerin Kim ◽  
Kent McIntosh ◽  
Sterett H. Mercer ◽  
Rhonda N. T. Nese

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between implementation fidelity of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) and student outcomes over time. The sample included 477 K–12 schools across 10 states implementing SWPBIS for varying numbers of years and at varying levels of fidelity (but with 78% of schools at or above established fidelity criteria). Results indicate that, in general, schools showed a decline in office discipline referrals (ODRs) and out-of-school suspensions (OSSs) over 3 years. SWPBIS fidelity of implementation was positively associated with initial levels of ODRs and OSSs, and the relations between fidelity and OSSs varied based on years of SWPBIS implementation. Levels of fidelity did not predict change in ODRs or OSSs. Despite no statistically significant associations between fidelity and student academic outcomes, schools that had implemented SWPBIS for 3 years or more had higher achievement in mathematics after controlling for prior achievement.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-97
Author(s):  
Diana Wandix-White

Disciplinary practices teachers use in their classrooms frequently result in life-altering consequences for students who are historically marginalized and struggling to meet normalized standards of academic success. Research suggests teachers often lack the skill needed to connect with students, manage their classrooms, and administer corrective action that is equitable, reasonable, and effective without being excessive and detrimental to the student’s future. This disconnection and lack of judgment is frequently attributed to 1) the cultural mismatch that exists between the majority U.S. teacher who is a young, White female, and the growing diverse population of students; 2) teachers’ deficit view of students of color, their families and communities; and 3) deficient pre-service teacher training that does not equip future teachers with the culturally relevant pedagogical skills needed to meet the needs of today’s students. Employing the qualitative research methods of interactive interviewing and parallel stories, an African American, veteran teacher and a young, White pre-service teacher explore the topic of disciplinary practices at the intersection of race, ethnicity, and a classroom culture of care in the k-12 U.S. classroom.


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