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Diverse Teachers Reduce Student Suspensions in NYC Schools

Diverse teaching staff can significantly reduce student suspensions. Learn how positive role models and reduced bias can make a difference in NYC schools.

This picture is taken on road. There are many people on the road. The are school girls wearing...
This picture is taken on road. There are many people on the road. The are school girls wearing jackets on the uniform. Group of students are stopping the people. To the right corner there are people riding bikes and they are wearing helmets.. The girl to the left corner is holding a sign board in her hand. To the background there is a gate, fencing, sky, buildings and trees.

Diverse Teachers Reduce Student Suspensions in NYC Schools

A new study in New York City schools reveals that Black, Latino, and Asian-American students are less likely to be suspended when taught by educators who share their racial or ethnic background. This finding underscores the importance of diverse teaching staff and mindful classroom practices.

Increasing the proportion of Latino teachers for Latino students from 20% to 50% could prevent around 1,500 suspensions over a decade. The likelihood of suspension decreases by about 3% for these students when taught by teachers of the same race or ethnicity. The cause of this association is not definitive but may be attributed to positive role models or reduced teacher bias.

Professional learning and induction are vital for all teachers to reflect on and improve their discipline practices. This includes addressing personal fears and biases through regular exchange with colleagues and further training on topics like gender stereotypes and AI use in the classroom. Teachers should also observe and question their classroom behavior, allowing students to see adults as learners.

The study emphasizes the need for diverse teaching staff and mindful classroom practices to reduce suspension disparities. While recruiting more diverse teachers is crucial, all educators must be aware of their biases and strive for continuous improvement in their discipline practices.

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