The School-to-Prison Pipeline: Mechanisms, Impacts, and Alternatives

Flashcards covering the systemic factors, statistical disparities, legal contexts, and proposed alternatives related to the school-to-prison pipeline.

What is the defined 'school-to-prison pipeline'?

A systemic phenomenon where punitive educational policies and increased policing funnel marginalized students into the legal system.

Which student groups are disproportionately harmed by zero-tolerance practices and the presence of law enforcement on campuses?

Black and Latino youth, as well as students with disabilities or neurodisabilities.

How does each standard deviation increase in neurodisability (lower functional skills) correlate with the age of first conviction?

It is associated with being $0.5$ years younger at first conviction.

What are the enrollment and arrest statistics for students with disabilities noted in the transcript?

Students with disabilities represent approximately $16\%$ of total K-12 public school enrollment but account for nearly $30\%$ of all school-related arrests.

According to research with prison populations, how much earlier are students convicted if they were excluded from school once compared to those never excluded?

They are first convicted an average of $3$ years earlier.

What is the impact of being sent to a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) on the age of first conviction?

Prisoners sent to a PRU were first convicted an average of $6$ years younger than those who were never excluded.

What specific incident involving a student with emotional and intellectual disabilities was ruled a 'non-challengeable' act of school discipline by the Fifth Circuit?

The tasing and handcuffing of the student by school police.

What does the transcript suggest the federal government should require before a school expels a student or refers them to the juvenile justice system?

Free assessments for disabilities and mental health issues.

What core tenet of disability rights advocacy emphasizes empowerment in decision-making?

"Nothing about us without us."

By what percentage does a school arrest or significant exclusionary event increase a student's chances of dropping out?

By $25\%$.

What are the racial disparities regarding public school enrollment and expulsions for Black students?

Black students account for only $15\%$ of public school enrollment but make up over $33\%$ of all expulsions.

What term is used to describe disciplinary alternative schools that are often immune from accountability standards?

"Shadow systems."

What alternative personnel are suggested to replace School Resource Officers (SROs)?

Unarmed peacekeepers focused on relationship-building and behavioral health counselors.

What is the dual purpose of the proposed mandatory 'safety net' assessments?

To ensure both the student and school system are aware of specific resources needed and to provide a mandatory alternative to disciplinary action.

What systemic failure prevents many public schools from meeting students' educational needs and increases court involvement risk?

A lack of funding for special education services and school counselors.