Settlement Agreement between U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights and Christina School District in Wilmington, DE

Concludes an investigation which established that African-American students were disciplined more harshly and more frequently because of their race than similarly situated white students at the elementary, middle and high school levels. The resolution affords the district the opportunity to improve its disciplinary system so that all students will receive equitable treatment under policies and procedures that will lead to less frequent exclusionary discipline and increased educational opportunities. Under the agreement, Christina School District will:

  • Ensure to the maximum extent possible that misbehavior is addressed in a manner that does not require removal from school;
  • Collaborate with experts on research-based strategies designed to prevent discrimination in the implementation of school discipline;
  • Provide students who engage in disruptive behaviors with support services designed to decrease behavioral difficulties;
  • Review and revise the disciplinary policies, and implement disciplinary practices that will effectively promote equity in discipline;
  • Provide training for staff and administrators on the disciplinary policies, and implement programs for students, parents and guardians that will explain the district's disciplinary policies and behavioral expectations;
  • Effectively address school climate issues; and
  • Improve the disciplinary data collection system in order to evaluate discipline policies and practices.
Year Resource Released
2012

American Institutes for Research

U.S. Department of Education

The contents of the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments Web site were assembled under contracts from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools to the American Institutes for Research (AIR), Contract Number  91990021A0020.

This Web site is operated and maintained by AIR. The contents of this Web site do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the U.S. Department of Education nor do they imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.

©2024 American Institutes for Research — Disclaimer   |   Privacy Policy   |   Accessibility Statement