The Promise and Pitfalls of Transformational Leadership for Decreasing the Use of Out-of-School Suspensions and Reduce the Racial Discipline Gap

Abstract

This study sought to explore the extent to which and how principals can help decrease the use of out-of-school suspension and close the racial discipline gap. This study comprised a qualitative case study of a principal in an urban school district. Data derive from in-depth interviews with current and former campus and district leaders, historical data, and documents. The principal’s transformational actions, together with support from the district, helped to improve the school’s culture, and decreased the use of OSS, but were not sufficient to close the racial discipline gap.