Dissertation
Exploring teachers' perceptions and decisions in urban school discipline: a descriptive case study
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Jun 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000140
Abstract
Black students, for decades, have been more likely to be suspended than White peers despite evidence suggesting they are more likely to misbehave (DeMatthews, Carey, Olivarez, & Saeedi, 2017). Regardless of teachers implementing an evidence-based intervention for discipline in urban schools, minority students continue to be disproportionately identified in the discipline process. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study is to explore how teachers in urban settings perceive racial disproportionality and its effects on students. This study unpacked how teachers' perceptions of students influence their decisions within the discipline process and the classroom. For this particular study, the questions posed involved what types of student behaviors do teachers find difficult to manage, the influence of the implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, teachers' perspectives about discipline, and disproportionality among Black males. Critical race theory was used as a lens and gave the research a framework to delve into the realities of race as it presents itself in disciplinary actions. The methods used in this study include semi-structured interviews and observations. The school selected is a K-8 elementary school in a large urban district with a high population of Black males implementing positive behavior supports. The target population includes the principal, assistant principal, and six teachers who volunteered for the study. Findings inform recommendations that may address these disproportionate concerns raised in the study, which will assist leaders in seeking alternatives to current discipline practices.
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Details
- Title
- Exploring teachers' perceptions and decisions in urban school discipline
- Creators
- Erika L. McDowell
- Contributors
- Kathleen Provinzano (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xii, 93 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014695541704721