Plugging the School to Prison Pipeline

Janna Siegel Robertson, Ph. DProfessor, UNCW

Dropout Prevention Coalition

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Overview

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

History

• Columbine• Zero Tolerance• School Resource Officers• Sandy Hook• Safer Schools• Graduated Response Models

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Society

Enns (2014)

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

The Problem• Increased Poverty, Decrease in School Funding

– Not enough School Counselors

• Inequity– Can’t pay restitution– Less support

• No Excuses/Zero Tolerance and Negative Perceptions– Black boys viewed older, less innocent– Black girls viewed as “acting out”

• More Police Presence in Schools• Impact on future

– Graduation, postsecondary options, employment – Crime

• NC Juvenile Incarceration Cost: $160,000/year

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Impact of Suspension

Balfanz (2013)

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Solutions

• Memorandum of Understanding• SRO Training and Career Track• PBIS/MTSS/RTI• ABE• Revised Discipline/In School Suspension,

Alternative Placement Suspension • Restorative Justice

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Successful Programs

Teske, 2011

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Successful ProgramsTeske, 2011

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Teacher Solutions

• Alternatives to Suspension• Classroom Management Refresher• Formal Support• Informal Support• Programmed Instruction, Alternative

Education Options

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Policy• Raise the Age Law• Only 2 states have 16 year olds considered adults for

adjudication and incarceration, NC and NY• NC Child: Raise the Age• NC

House Bill 735 “ Young Offenders Rehabilitation Act” • US Federal Bipartisan Support• New York may change their law• Impact on 2016 US elections

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Black Lives Matter

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Resources

• NC Toolkit to Reduce Suspensions • Classroom Management Training• NC DPI Mental Health Modules• NC Counselor Resources• School to Prison Pipeline Resources

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Other Initiatives

• Teen Courts, Drug Courts• After School Programs• Justice Preventative Programs• Alternative Suspension Practices and Places• Non-Profit Collaborations• Mental Health Expansions• Anti-Bullying Programs• Hometown Hires

http://saferschoolstaskforce.weebly.com/school-to-prison-pipeline.html

Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Keep in Touch

• Dr. Janna Robertson robertsonj@uncw.edu

http://www.cvent.com/d/hrq907/3B

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