Teacher Turnover and Student Disciplinary Infractions: Evidence from New York City

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Teacher Turnover and Student Disciplinary Infractions: Evidence from New York City
Language: English
Authors: Luis A. Rodriguez, Christopher Redding
Source: American Journal of Education. 2025 132(1):29-57.
Availability: University of Chicago Press. Journals Division, P.O. Box 37005, Chicago, IL 60637. Tel: 877-705-1878; Tel: 773-753-3347; Fax: 877-705-1879; Fax: 773-753-0811; e-mail: subscriptions@press.uchicago.edu; Web site: http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/journals/aje/about
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 29
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Racial Differences, Discipline, African American Students, Punishment, Labor Turnover, Teacher Persistence, Student Behavior, Discipline Problems, Public Schools, Correlation, Suspension, Minority Group Students
Geographic Terms: New York (New York)
DOI: 10.1086/737522
ISSN: 0195-6744
1549-6511
Abstract: Purpose: Racial disparities in schools' use of exclusionary discipline remain a persistent concern, particularly for Black students. Research examining the interplay of school factors on their influence on the use of exclusionary disciplinary punishments has overlooked the role that staffing instability, particularly in the form of teacher turnover, has on school discipline outcomes. To better understand the influence that teacher staffing instability has on school discipline, this study estimates the relationship between teacher turnover and student disciplinary infractions. By introducing student discipline as an outcome in the teacher turnover literature, the study further develops the mechanisms through which teacher turnover negatively affects students. Research Methods/Approach: By drawing on 11 years of panel data from New York City Public Schools, this study employs regression methods to estimate the relationship between school-level rates of teacher turnover and school discipline patterns, distinguishing between turnover occurring within a school year and at the end of a school year. Findings: Findings show significant associations between higher teacher turnover and an increased likelihood of students receiving office discipline referrals and suspensions, particularly for Black students and other non-Asian, non-Hispanic students of color. Our analysis also reveals that as the experience levels of teachers leaving midyear increase, the likelihood of student referrals and suspensions increases. Implications: Study findings have implications for understanding the ways in which teacher turnover interplays with schools' capacity to address student behavioral issues, aligning with prior research on the far-reaching impact of teacher turnover on various aspects of students' educational experiences.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1487055
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Purpose: Racial disparities in schools' use of exclusionary discipline remain a persistent concern, particularly for Black students. Research examining the interplay of school factors on their influence on the use of exclusionary disciplinary punishments has overlooked the role that staffing instability, particularly in the form of teacher turnover, has on school discipline outcomes. To better understand the influence that teacher staffing instability has on school discipline, this study estimates the relationship between teacher turnover and student disciplinary infractions. By introducing student discipline as an outcome in the teacher turnover literature, the study further develops the mechanisms through which teacher turnover negatively affects students. Research Methods/Approach: By drawing on 11 years of panel data from New York City Public Schools, this study employs regression methods to estimate the relationship between school-level rates of teacher turnover and school discipline patterns, distinguishing between turnover occurring within a school year and at the end of a school year. Findings: Findings show significant associations between higher teacher turnover and an increased likelihood of students receiving office discipline referrals and suspensions, particularly for Black students and other non-Asian, non-Hispanic students of color. Our analysis also reveals that as the experience levels of teachers leaving midyear increase, the likelihood of student referrals and suspensions increases. Implications: Study findings have implications for understanding the ways in which teacher turnover interplays with schools' capacity to address student behavioral issues, aligning with prior research on the far-reaching impact of teacher turnover on various aspects of students' educational experiences.
ISSN:0195-6744
1549-6511
DOI:10.1086/737522