Keywords

Special Education, School Discipline, Minority Students, Dropout Prevention, Disability Critical Race Theory, Student Engagement

Abstract

Despite progress in recent years, the K–12 education system still grapples with pervasive discriminatory and inequitable practices that hinder students’ learning experiences and future success. Such practices can have far-reaching consequences, threatening students’ long-term outcomes and putting their well-being at risk. This study delved into the effects of exclusionary practices on academic performance and student withdrawal, with a particular focus on minority students with disabilities. By examining archived data, this research analyzed various exclusionary practices, including in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, Baker Acts, and law enforcement referrals. To uncover correlations and determine hypothesis acceptance, the study employedsophisticated statistical techniques such as logistic regression. Results of the study show exclusionary discipline practices significantly correlate with dropout rates for minoritized students with disabilities. In other words, students of this study who are subject to these practices are not more likely to drop out of school. The study recommends implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and providing training to educators on how to instruct students with disabilities. Further study is needed to explore the quantitative impact of specific discipline practices on learning and detrimental effects of instructional loss on student engagement. Nonetheless, this research underscores the urgency of using professional development to identify and address discriminatory and inequitable practices in the K–12 education system to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Walker, Larry J.

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

Educational Leadership and Higher Education

Degree Program

Educational Leadership

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028597

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028597

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

August 2024

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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