ERIC Number: ED651885
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 135
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3822-4039-8
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Administrators' Perceptions of the Impact of Restorative Practices on Discipline Referrals and Suspension Rates in a Rural Elementary School
Gregory W. Brown
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University
The problem addressed in the study involved excessive out-of-school suspensions, which have been a major concern for public school educators for decades. The purpose of the study explored the perceptions of participants regarding the effects of implementing restorative practices on suspension rates at a rural elementary school. The qualitative phenomenology study used a purposive sample of 10 educators who interacted with students suspended for violating the school's code of conduct. Six kindergarten through Grade 5 teachers, two Grades 3-5 grade-level chairpersons, the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support coordinator, and one administrator participated in the study. Utilizing case study approaches, this qualitative study developed interview questions to allow participants to express their opinions on numerous areas of the faculty and administration's classroom knowledge. The researcher was able to acquire information regarding the district, school, teachers, and administrators' ways to enforcing discipline policies for children from underrepresented groups through the interviews. The participants of this study believed that restorative techniques combined with Positive Behavior Supports were effective in diverting pupils' negative actions. In addition, the survey revealed that participants considered that zero tolerance disciplinary methods did not result in an overall change in behavior but were nevertheless necessary in particular cases. Future research should examine the efficacy of continual training to improve restorative practice implementation and maintainability and ensure that all staff members understand its goals. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Administrator Attitudes, Restorative Practices, Discipline, Suspension, Rural Schools, Public Schools, Elementary School Teachers, Instructor Coordinators, Teacher Attitudes, Zero Tolerance Policy
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A