The need for change is clear. Researchers and educators must pay more attention to the needs of African American adolescent girls. The transition to middle school is a complicated time as adolescent girls are questioning who they are and where they fit in. It is the time when they are also trying to gain a sense of independence and begin questioning authority. Along with the complexities of being an adolescent comes one of the most difficult transitions, into the middle grades. While children are developing a sense of self-identity, self-awareness, and self-regulation they are also beginning to understand the need to speak up for themselves. The purpose of this study was to research the factors contributing to behaviors that result in discipline referrals in African American female middle school students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]