Abstract
Introduction -- Education is concomitantly a path for self-actualization and personal growth, a mechanism of social mobility, a crucial factor of labour market outcomes and lifetime earnings, a social determinant of health and quality of life, a fundamental institution in a democratic society, and a human right. Because education is so consequential at the individual and societal levels, barriers to it are a cause of great concern for various stakeholders, including parents, students, and community advocates. As a case in point, several advocates have identified issues pertaining to school discipline processes and outcomes in Nova Scotia (Barjun Consultants, 2001; Black Learners Advisory Committee, 1994; Nunn, 2006). Recently, we learned that Black learners in Nova Scotia are more likely to be subjected to out-of-school suspensions than other students across the province (Woodbury, 2016). Yet, scholarly literature indicates that punitive school discipline, such as out-of-school suspensions, are ineffective, worsen problematic behaviour, alienate students from school, and keep students away from formal learning opportunities (Fenning et al., 2004; Gregory et al., 2010; Jean-Pierre & Parris-Drummond, 2018; Mayer, 2001; Noguera, 2003). <div><br></div><div>This report is based on the main findings of a qualitative study that aimed to address school discipline racial disproportionality in Nova Scotia, conceive an alternative model of school discipline, and promote the academic success of Black learners. A research project was conducted with African Nova Scotian and Black immigrant youth, parents, and community members across the province between 2018 and 2019 in both English and French. Through nine focus groups and 17 interviews, 60 members of the community provided their perspectives and insights to inform the conception of an alternative model of school discipline. A community forum subsequently took place in March 2020 to discuss the findings and main recommendations with community members. Based on the research project and scholarly literature, this report presents key findings and recommendations that can foreground future school discipline policy and interventions to further Black learners’ academic success in Nova Scotia. Overall, the key themes derived from participants’ narratives emphasize the need to adopt alternative non-punitive responses to misconduct—primarily a restorative model—while simultaneously enhancing inclusive curricular and pedagogical practices to foster Black students’ academic success.</div>
Highlights
Education is concomitantly a path for self-actualization and personal growth, a mechanism of social mobility, a crucial factor of labour market outcomes and lifetime earnings, a social determinant of health and quality of life, a fundamental institution in a democratic society, and a human right
Black learners in Nova Scotia are disproportionately affected by punitive school discipline, such as out-of-school suspensions, which constitutes a barrier to accessing learning opportunities
The findings indicate that participants believe that alternative nonpunitive practices, restorative practices in education, should be implemented and accompanied with an organizational cultural shift to create equitable learning environments for all, including Black learners
Summary
Education is concomitantly a path for self-actualization and personal growth, a mechanism of social mobility, a crucial factor of labour market outcomes and lifetime earnings, a social determinant of health and quality of life, a fundamental institution in a democratic society, and a human right. We learned that Black learners in Nova Scotia are more likely to be subjected to out-of-school suspensions than other students across the province (Woodbury, 2016). This report is based on the main findings of a qualitative study that aimed to address school discipline racial disproportionality in Nova Scotia, conceive an alternative model of school discipline, and promote the academic success of Black learners. A research project was conducted with African Nova Scotian and Black immigrant youth, parents, and community members across the province between 2018 and 2019 in both English and French. Based on the research project and scholarly literature, this report presents key findings and recommendations that can foreground future school discipline policy and interventions to further Black learners’ academic success in Nova Scotia. The key themes derived from participants’ narratives emphasize the need to adopt alternative non-punitive responses to misconduct—primarily a restorative model—while simultaneously enhancing inclusive curricular and pedagogical practices to foster Black students’ academic success
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
