This training will address the need for culturally responsive disciplinary practices to dismantle inequities in educational settings. The disproportionate and differential use of exclusionary action against Black, Latinx, and Native American children is the racial school discipline crisis. While excessive exclusion occurs throughout the educational continuum, early childhood expulsions and suspensions are a growing concern and are linked to further problems in kindergarten and beyond. Behavior Analysts are often tasked with addressing and reducing the behavioral concerns of students, yet there is a gap in the behavior analytic literature on racism in schools. Bringing awareness to the connection between racism and American schooling is an initial step for behavior analysts to contribute to the dismantling of oppressive systems within education. The presenter will introduce attendees to the current state of disciplinary practices within public schools and explore a potential solution to the injustices displayed in American schooling. 

1. Participants will be able to define the school discipline crisis in early childhood education.
2. Participants will be able to define racial bias and the impact of school discipline.
3. Participants will be able to label a behavior analyst’s role in solving educational inequity.
4. Participants will be able to identify steps to eradicating injustices in schools.

About the Presenter

Mawule A. Sevon

The Key Consulting Firm Philadelphia, Pa Mawule is a school psychologist and behavior analyst who uses her behavioral approach to identify and mitigate the impacts of compound racial disparities in the U.S. education system. The glaring racial inequity in how disciplinary action is applied has most captured her attention and catalyzes the focus for her professional practice. With a primary focus on inequity in disciplinary practices among young children, she works to increase educators' and clinicians’ awareness and application of culturally responsive practices. With the specialization of diversity and social justice, Mawule has completed research, lead workshops, and facilitated discussion throughout the United States and abroad. Her philosophy centers around capacity building and empowering parents, educators, and communities by providing them with the necessary information to make informed decisions. She founded The Key Consulting Firm specifically to have an impact on reducing racial inequity in schools by increasing the socially just work of educators.