Latino/a Student Misbehavior and School Punishment

Abstract

Although Latino/as are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. student population, Latino/a youth face a number of educational hurdles, such as disproportionate school punishment. This topic is particularly relevant today in the midst of the current social, political, and economic debate over the influence of Latino/a immigration in the US school system. This study draws from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 and utilizes hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to analyze the relationships between gender, generational status, misbehavior, and school punishment for 7,250 Latino/a and White students. Findings reveal that Latino/a students, regardless of gender or generational status, are not misbehaving more than White students. For school punitive measures, however, thirdgeneration Latino and Latina students are more likely to be punished. The implications of the disparate school punishment patterns for Latino/a students in the US school system are discussed more generally.

More Than a Metaphor: The Contribution of Exclusionary Discipline to a School-to-Prison Pipeline

“…Disciplinary disparities for other racial/ethnic categories have been less thoroughly studied, with less consistent results. While Peguero and Shekarkhar (2011) found disparities in discipline for first-and-third generation Latino students, others have reported rates of out-of-school suspension for Latino students not significantly different from white students (Horner, Fireman, & Wang, 2010;McFadden et al, 1992;Skiba, Peterson, & Williams, 1997). In a national examination of self-reported data concerning discipline outcomes, Wallace, Goodkind, Wallace, and Bachman (2008) reported that Native American students were over-represented and Asian students underrepresented in school discipline, in general, and suspension in particular.…”

Focus on Latino Learners: Developing a Foundational Understanding of Latino Cultures to Cultivate Student Success

“…While the intent of zerotolerance policies were to create a safe school environment for all students with fair application of consequences, the policies have been found to be problematic and discriminatory, particularly against Latino students (Peguero & Shekarkhar, 2011;Verdugo, 2002;Wheeler & Richey, 2010). As with academic referrals, Latino students are significantly overrepresented in disciplinary referrals and actions when compared with other groups (Noguera, 2003a;Peguero & Shekarkhar, 2011;Skiba et al, 2011).…”

“…Several investigators (e.g., Peguero & Shekarkhar, 2011;Skiba et al, 2011, Verdugo, 2002 have concluded that Latino students are significantly more likely to be referred for disciplinary actions for lesser offenses. For example, Peguero and Shekarkhar investigated the patterns of school disciplinary actions among Latino students and White students and found a disproportional rate of punishment based on generational status and ethnicity.…”

Exploring Causes of Bribery: A Case Study in a Public Organization in Malaysia

“…Rothwell (2009) mentioned the above four elements are linked to delinquency of organizational misbehavior. Scholars Baek, Kang and Park (2004); Peguero & Shekarkhar (2011) also applied this theory in their studies based on university and school students. Whereas Solomons (2010) applied this theory to explain about decision making process of police officers.…”