Enough is Enough: Changing Adult Behaviors To Reduce Disparities In Discipline Referrals Among African American Males in a Rural Middle School

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Demond Wayne Mckenzie (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Despite various efforts to reduce disparities in discipline referrals among African\nAmerican males in schools, the gap continues to persist. African American males are disciplined \nat a higher rate than any other demographic in the United States. What might be the root cause? \nCould the perceptions of adults in the classroom be a major contributing factor? Studies indicate \nimplicit bias exists among all beings and can lead to assumptions that result in \npreconceived/discriminatory actions toward students of color (Gilliam et al., 2016\; Okonofua et \nal., 2016\; Skiba et al., 2002). Schools have attempted to combat these injustices by providing \ntrainings and implementing systems to minimize exclusionary discipline practices to some \nsuccess. In this mixed method study, we facilitated research-based professional learning and \nprovided coaching to support teachers with the implementation of strategies with the intent of \nchanging behaviors and practices in a specific school setting to create a more equitable culture. \nThis study evaluated professional development and its impact on the perceptions of educators\ntoward African American male students as to determine whether they reduced the number of \ndiscipline referrals administered at CPS Middle School, a rural school in North Carolina. \nUltimately, we determined while some perceptions and attitudes were changed, there was no \nchange in the disparities among the discipline referrals among African American males \npotentially due to some unforeseen extenuating factors.

Additional Information

Publication

Dissertation

Language: English

Date: 2023

Subjects

discipline, disparities, adult behaviors, rural, African American males, professional development

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