The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences and knowledge that informed the decision-making of nine principals from a large midwestern urban district who shifted from implementing mainly exclusionary to restorative practices. Framed by Lederach's conflict transformation theory, the research question was: What knowledge and…

Disproportionality in school discipline is a serious and ongoing problem. Some schools are experimenting with alternative models to address persistent inequities. This article features one high school's adoption of a restorative practices discipline program with a focus on teachers' perceptions of their experiences and the efficacy of the program.…

We present outcomes from a study testing the effect of professional development (PD) focused on integrating restorative practices (RP) into multitiered student support systems on how high school staff, students, and parents perceive their school's discipline practices. A total of 16 high schools enrolled in the 2-year study during which…

We conducted focus groups with high school staff, students, parents, and administrators to gain information about how to design professional development training supporting high school staff in implementing restorative practices within a multitiered support system. Results indicated that all stakeholders valued trust and relationship building and…

School discipline and school safety are primary areas of concern for school administrators. This article summarizes the research literature regarding suspension in response to nonviolent and subjective offenses for racial/ethnic minorities. Steps that administrators can follow in applying a root cause analysis with a focus on school practices are…

Discriminatory discipline has been widely documented for decades, yet little progress has been made to narrow the gap. Due to the long-standing history of discriminatory discipline, current nationwide data, and recent federal initiatives, there is a need for a comprehensive examination of this critical issue. Therefore, we discuss populations…

By aligning factors that most commonly influence the achievement of Black and Hispanic students with the type of resources inside the black box of schooling, this study differentiated the achievement effect of school resources from what was brought by students to schools. The hierarchical regression results showed that minority students'…

Special education litigation remains a volatile area with significant practice implications. A review of the 2010 case law in the "Special Educator" identified discipline (manifestation determination, seclusion and restraints, harassment), evaluation/RTI, and postsecondary transition as specific areas of concern. School administrators should keep…

Special education is the most highly litigated area within the field of education. Therefore, the purpose of the current article is to highlight cases (court decisions, Office of Civil Rights rulings, and State Educational Agency hearings) involving students with disabilities in 2015. Highlights from the case law point to the need for school…

In the United States, students with disabilities are disproportionately exposed to exclusionary discipline. Using Intergroup Threat Theory, literature was analyzed to identify expressed perceptions from school administrators that indicated perceived threat. Analysis revealed perceived threats to administrator beliefs, values, job performance, and…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the effective beliefs and practices of successful principals at high schools with a Hispanic population of at least 30%. Eight purposefully selected high school principals participated in the study. Findings emphasized that successful principals are passionate in their commitment to support…

The participation and inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education setting has steadily increased over the past several years, facilitated in part by the amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Providing students with disabilities a free appropriate public education in this setting has proved to be…

Suggests a comprehensive problem-solving model that addresses discipline from a preventative perspective. Model provides guidelines for problem identification, methods of problem analysis, intervention techniques, and evaluation of discipline intervention. (JW)

Describes a method for controlling minor incidents of disruptive behavior and failure to prepare for class. (MCG)

The "discipline ladder" approach emphasizes that each successive offense of the same type should result in punishment made more uncomfortable by designed increments. (Author/IRT)