Disciplinary Practices in Nebraska's Public Schools

Increasing rates of youth violence and crime have exerted pressure on schools to maintain an orderly learning environment. Exclusionary measures, a common disciplinary procedure, however, have been under intense scrutiny. Our study examined disciplinary practices in elementary and secondary schools by surveying building administrators. Findings indicate strong correlation between level (secondary) and size of school, and socioeconomic status of students and rates of disciplinary actions; significant differences between school levels on disciplinary action for similar offenses and on availability of support programs; and differences in beliefs between elementary and secondary level administrators on the consequences of exclusionary actions.