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BY MEGAN NOE
You're watching multisource US video news analysis from Newsy.
Sixty percent of Texas public school students are suspended or expelled between seventh and twelfth grades. That’s just one result from a new study that is shocking parents and educators across the country -- and raising questions about the effectiveness of school discipline.
Perhaps more alarming? The statewide “Breaking School Rules” study by the Council of State Governments also discovered 15 percent were disciplined 11 or more times, and half of those spent time in the juvenile justice system.
The study followed one million students and is being called the most comprehensive analysis of school disciplinary practices ever. But experts say it reflects a national trend toward zero tolerance policies.
“Most [suspensions were] for non-violent, often minor offenses such as bringing Aspirin or bottle openers to class, or trespassing. It is up to school officials to determine how to discipline students -- and we asked our Facebook friends what they thought of the zero-tolerance policy. Maggie says, ‘I’ve always thought that zero tolerance went too far. If a child brought a fingernail clipper he was expelled. They should look at the violation then decide what to do, not just throw the kid to the curb.’" (KENS)
In 97 percent of cases, school districts took punishment upon themselves. And as NPR explains, that can mean a disproportionately high number of African American and disabled students being removed.
“One glaring example: 70 percent of black girls were suspended or expelled, compared to 37 percent of white girls -- usually for the same offenses. Which gets to another key finding: in almost every case, the decision to remove a student was made solely by a teacher or school administrator, which may explain why minority kids are punished disproportionately...”
And parents promoting equality for low-income families tell KDFW-- it shows disciplinary policies focus too much on punishment.
“‘It sounds like we’ve got this huge disciplinary problem here in our state. Do you think we do?’
‘No, I don’t think that we have bad kids. I think that we have a bad system.’
‘What is going on?’
‘Instead of teaching our children what they should be doing, we’re beating our kids up against the head, saying no, don’t do that, but we’re not telling them what they should be doing. We’re not teaching them social skills and ways to interact with other people.’”
An editorial writer for The Christian Science Monitor adds -- demographics don’t determine a school’s disciplinary choices. People do.
“...A high rate of discipline may not be a reflection of the type of students in a school but the choices that school officials make in how to deal with misbehavior. A more supportive, even loving approach can turn around even the most obstinate child.”
That’s why lawmakers tell Austin’s KVUE -- they’re getting involved to keep kids in the classroom.
“The results of a study that shows how frequently the school districts suspend and expel troubled students. The state mandates punishment for certain conduct. This study shows educators often administer punishment at their own discretion.”
SEN. JOHN WHITMORE- (D) HOUSTON: ‘It appears that some school districts, instead of it being the last resort for dealing with misbehavior, it’s oftentimes the first option.’”
Since 2005, only 3 percent of suspension cases have involved serious offenses like drug or weapon possession.
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Transcript by Newsy.
