Learn how to examine school discipline data, calculate and interpret discipline indicators, identify patterns of disproportionality, and use data to guide equitable and evidence-informed school improvement efforts.
School discipline data can reveal important patterns in how students experience disciplinary practices. However, simply reviewing the number of suspensions, expulsions, or office discipline referrals does not provide enough information to determine whether particular groups of students are experiencing discipline at disproportionate rates.
This course provides school psychologists and other school-based professionals with a practical framework for understanding and analyzing discipline data. Participants will examine common measures used to evaluate disciplinary outcomes, including discipline rates, composition measures, risk ratios, and other indicators of disproportionality.
The course then moves beyond calculation to interpretation and action. Participants will consider how discipline data can be examined within a continuous improvement process to identify patterns, investigate possible contributing factors, and support meaningful changes in school practices.
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
This is an asynchronous online home-study course. Participants complete the course independently and may progress through the material at their own pace.
Course content includes required readings, instructional material, examples, and learning activities designed to help participants interpret and apply the concepts presented in the course.
Participants complete a final assessment addressing the major concepts and skills presented throughout the course. Assessment items are aligned with the course learning objectives and evaluate participants' understanding and application of the instructional material.
A certificate of completion is available after all required course components have been successfully completed.
The number of continuing education credit hours assigned to this home-study course was determined through a systematic review of the required instructional materials, readings, learning activities, and assessment.
Reading time was estimated using the Mergener Formula, a method used to estimate the amount of time required to complete written continuing education materials. Additional required course activities were also included when determining the total estimated completion time.
Participants may review the documentation used to determine the continuing education credit hours assigned to this course.
View Credit Hour Determination PDF →Complete each course section in order and finish the final assessment. You may return to course materials as needed while progressing through the course.
Continuing education credit is awarded after successful completion of all required course components.