Implicit bias, disproportionate discipline, and teacher responsibility for instruction as prevention

Abstract

While suspension continues to be a common response to student misbehavior in schools, evidence mounts for its ineffective and counterproductive results. Moreover, as the use of suspension increases, there is a tendency for it to be disproportionately applied to students of color and those with disabilities. Realizing that not all students are equally at-risk for suspension, the role of implicit bias in schools is a necessary consideration for all. The purpose of this paper is to consider the teacher’s role in minimizing the need for suspension by creating student success in the classroom and to present a conceptual framework for both the problem and a potential solution.

Keywords:

• Behavior
• discipline
• disproportionality
• instruction
• suspension