Addressing Disproportionate Discipline Practices Within a School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Framework: A Practical Guide for Calculating and Using Disproportionality Rates

Culturally responsible implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) requires that schools monitor indices of disciplinary practices among minority groups. School teams are encouraged to calculate risk indices and risk ratios to evaluate the extent to which students of all groups are removed from classrooms for behavioral infractions. Additional data sources are offered to understand the nature of disproportionate practices. These data are then used to develop more culturally responsive disciplinary practices in schools. An illustration is then provided using data from an ethnically diverse elementary school.