Deciphering the RED Dilemma Mario J. Florez Director of School Climate and Culture

We know the problem Disproportionate discipline for girls of color, primarily our black girls

What are we seeing? Increased OSS/ISS/referrals Increase in reporting of behaviors for physical aggression and fighting Increase in need for mediation for groups of girls Increased instigation by boys inciting girls to fight

WHY? Lack of cultural competence and implicit bias by staff that does not LOOK like our students causing lower tolerance for behaviors Lack of conflict resolution skills by students and lack of appropriate supports by adults Impact of desensitization to violence due to social media impact Invalidation of impact by adults Lack of knowledge of para-verbal communication trends for GOC by staff Para-verbal communication by groups of girls escalating if not resolved productively

What are we doing? Working with partners to provide professional learning to our administrators and staff Reactive, and very limited due to capacity Restorative Approaches and Practices Enhancing data reporting systems and structures to identify patterns