Confronting Disparity: Preschool Suspensions and the Injustice they Portend
Children learn more from what you are than what you teach. W.E.B. Du Bois’s observation came to mind as I reflected on the quote by James Baldwin, "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." These words are pertinent to our conversation about racial disparities in education, particularly concerning preschool suspensions.
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
As an educator, I was initiated through trial by fire, otherwise known as substitute teaching. The experience underscored the struggles some students face, both in and out of school. It made me confront a distressing statistic: 17,000 preschool students were suspended or expelled nationwide in 2021. The racial disparity here is stark, with Black boys constituting a substantial proportion of those penalized.
The disturbing imbalance begs the question - what is going on? Is there a deeply ingrained bias, or worse, systemic racism at play?
A former student of mine, 'DJ,' exemplifies the troubling trajectory that these suspensions often follow. Consistently suspended for behavioral issues, DJ was perpetually on the cusp of expulsion. Yet, despite his behavioral challenges, DJ was intelligent. However, his academic foundations were shaky due to his frequent suspensions.
A particularly heartbreaking episode saw DJ punching a classmate. As per school policy, he was suspended for three days. But, when asked what was on his mind, DJ's response was disarmingly simple, "Can I still come to school for reading?" DJ was beginning to experience academic success in reading, yet his enthusiasm was jeopardized by disciplinary actions. So, we bent the rules and arranged for DJ to continue his reading class, underlining the value of prioritizing education over punitive measures.
The troubling trajectory of students like DJ often originates in preschool. Research indicates that early childhood teachers scrutinize Black boys more closely than their counterparts, anticipating challenging behavior. The teaching practices used with Black and Brown learners often differ from those used with White students - and not for the better.
The implications of these disparities are grave. Students expelled or suspended at a young age are significantly more likely to drop out of high school, experience academic failure, and face incarceration as adults. These disciplinary actions often set a precedent, becoming the standard throughout their academic career, creating a discipline gap and stunting their socio-emotional skills.
Preschool education should be about fostering a love for learning and nurturing positive development. It is disconcerting, then, to see suspension and expulsion practices prevalent at such an early stage. Even 'soft' disciplinary measures, like isolation from the group, need to be reevaluated.
The education system's fundamental role is to equip children with knowledge and skills to navigate the world, not to tag them as problem students at a tender age. Yet, we see countless children like DJ, smart and capable but systematically failed by an education system that punishes them more than it nurtures them.
We need to examine our preschool education system critically. A reassessment of our disciplinary practices is crucial, focusing on positive reinforcement over punitive measures, keeping children in class where they can learn and grow. We must address this racial disparity in suspensions and expulsions, ensuring equity in our educational institutions.
Educators and policymakers need to introspect and examine the unconscious biases that might permeate their actions. Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy the excitement and curiosity that learning brings. As Baldwin pointed out, children learn from imitation. It is our responsibility to model fairness and equity, creating an environment where every child, regardless of their race or background, can thrive. The challenge is monumental, but so is the potential payoff – a just and equitable education system where every child gets a fair chance to succeed.
