Analyzing the Correlation between Academic Coursework and Disciplinary Outcomes

Significant scholarship has explained the connection between academic tracking, the within school segregation of students based on perceptions of their academic abilities, and negative school outcomes for students of color. However, little research exists that explicitly links academic tracking to negative disciplinary outcomes for students of color. Using a quantitative analysis of the Educational Longitudinal Study (ELS) base year questionnaire data, I noticed a connection between college preparatory high school programs and lower rates of in-school suspension. Therefore, offering more access to college preparatory programs could offer a solution to the disproportionate discipline.