“Just as Bad as Prisons”: The Challenge of Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline Through Teacher and Community Education

Abstract

Drawing upon the authors’ experiences working in schools as teachers, teacher educators, researchers, and community members, this study utilizes a Critical Race Theory of education in examining the school-to-prison pipeline for black male students. In doing so, the authors highlight the particular role educators play in the school-to-prison pipeline, focusing particularly on how dispositions toward black males influence educator practices. Recommendations and future directions are provided on how education preparation programs can play a critical role in the transformation of black male schooling.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Quaylan Allen

Quaylan Allen is an assistant professor in the College of Educational Studies at Chapman University. His research focuses on race, class, and gender equity in educational policy and practice; black male educational outcomes; black masculinities; and visual methodologies.

Kimberly A. White-Smith

Kimberly A. White-Smith is Associate Dean of Educator Development in the College of Educational Studies at Chapman University. She participates in a number of scholarly activities that serve to identify educational environments, policies, and teaching strategies that promote academic achievement for traditionally underserved students.