Center for the Transformation of Schools

Research and practice highlight the need for fewer student behavior problems in schools and the need for more equitable disciplinary outcomes. The empathic discipline program is an intervention for teachers that is designed to mitigate the consequences of bias on their students’ education outcomes, namely exclusionary discipline. The present research tested whether the empathic discipline program could be implemented through MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) networks in a large and diverse school district and whether it could mitigate yearlong suspension rates. As compared to control conditions, the empathic discipline program meaningfully reduced yearlong suspension rates and mitigated racial disparities in them. Implications and recommendations are discussed. Learn more on the CTS website.