Culturally Responsive Practices Reduce  Discipline Referrals for Hispanic/Latino Students

Post date: Jun 25, 2012 4:10:56 PM

Plano High School, Plano CUSD 88, began implementing PBIS in August 2008. Disproportionate use of punitive discipline with Latino/Hispanic males was identified via the ethnicity feature in the School-wide Information System (SWIS). This data prompted the need to address cultural differences between staff, students, and their families. There has been a 63% decrease in office discipline referrals (ODRs) and 78% fewer suspensions per 100 students for Latino/Hispanic male students since the installation of PBIS and the adoption of culturally responsive practices.

Presentations by speakers, including the school’s social workers, informed staff about Hispanic/Latino cultural values and norms. As a result, more culturally responsive school-wide expectations were developed. PBIS expectations, Parent Night, and other school materials were presented in English and Spanish. Students and teachers collaborated in creating the annual back-to-school video on PBIS, further integrating student voice and culture into the process.