Presenter(s)

• Berenice Saez, Influence of Student’s Race on Disciplinary Actions, Stephen F. Austin State University
• John Burnett

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to extend the knowledge regarding the disproportion between student's race and discipline. The findings of our study suggest that student's race has an effect on teachers' decisions of disciplinary actions, and it varies significantly depending on the severity of the behavior. We discuss the need to increase awareness of the harmful effects of positive and negative bias in disciplinary actions. Additionally, the input of a minority administrator did not make a difference in reducing the level of disciplinary decisions for minority students. Thus, consideration should be focused on the teacher level (i.e., training directed at improving teacher and student relationships).