Rethinking Exclusionary Discipline Consequences for Discretionary Reasons for Economically Disadvantaged Youth

Abstract

Exclusionary discipline practices are continuously pushing economically disadvantaged students out of their traditional home campuses instead of rehabilitating them with the ability to become productive members of their communities. This chapter explores the development of exclusionary discipline consequences and the known outcomes of these consequences on economically disadvantaged students. The chapter provides background information regarding the initial appeal of exclusionary discipline practices followed by the subsequent harm it created for certain groups of students. The chapter identifies the possibilities for decreasing the use of exclusionary discipline by adopting strategies like PBIS and restorative justice practices. The chapter closes with a discussion of the importance of schools moving away from exclusionary discipline practices. The authors argue transparency from school leaders with school community members is essential for the initial and continued success of restorative practices and the curbing of the damage of exclusionary consequences for students.