Understanding the Causes and Consequences of School Exclusions

Feyisa Demie is Honorary Professor of Durham University School of Education and also head of research and adviser for school self-evaluation at Lambeth LA. Prior to this, he was a university lecturer and is Fellow of the Academy of Social Science (FAcSS) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He has worked extensively for over 28 years with local authorities, government departments, and schools on the use of research and data to drive school improvement. He runs school-focused training programmes and conducts conferences on the use of what work research and assessment data to support school self-evaluation for headteachers, teachers, governors, and policymakers.

• Part 1: Introduction: School exclusions context and policy concerns. 1. Introduction: The scale of exclusions problems and challenges. 2. Factors associated with rise in school exclusions. Part 2: The experience of teachers and school staff with school exclusions. 3. Teachers, school leaders and parents’ experience with school exclusions. 4. The views and experience of Parents with school exclusions. Part 3: Ethnic and special educational needs disproportionality in school exclusions 5. Ethnic disproportionality in school exclusions. 6. Special educational needs disproportionality in exclusions 7. International experience in school exclusions. Part 4: What are the lessons for those concerned with school exclusions? 8. Summary, conclusions, and implications

"This new and comprehensive book by Professor Feyisa Demie takes the current policy concerns in the UK over school exclusions and sets them in an empirical and international context. It presents stories from the people involved in decisions to exclude students from school. It presents facts and figures about the disproportionate exclusion of students from some ethnic groups, and those facing learning challenges. And it looks at the consequences of such exclusions for individuals and the school system. It is a valuable addition to the literature."- Stephen Gorard, Professor, Durham University, UK"Discrimination against ethnic minority students is nothing new; it has been with us since the days of Coard and Rampton. Demie has shed a much needed light on the causes of the disproportionate exclusion of ethnic minority students as well as providing insightful solutions to this longstanding problem. The book will be of value to a broad readership - researchers, academics, teacher trainers, school staff and policy makers."- Karamat Iqbal, Equality and Education Practitioner, Forward Partnership, UK"Understanding the causes and consequences of school exclusions is an essential read for all stakeholders in education. This book outlines the nature and extent of the problem of school exclusions in England, in particular for students with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities and for students of Black and minority ethnic heritage... The book also highlights key implications and opportunities for research, practice, and policy, for example, cultural competency among teachers and school leaders, and working with families and with communities. Professor Feyisa Demie should be congratulated for pulling together this much needed and timely book which will undoubtedly benefit those working in education in England (and beyond)." - Paul Miller, Director & Principal Consultant, Institute for Educational & Social Equity, UKThis book offers a timely and considered resource to support all those involved in education in understanding the causes and consequences of suspensions and exclusions, with a particular focus on the experiences of minority ethnic students and those with SEND. Written by Behaviour and Exclusion Expert, Feyisa Demie, the book demonstrates how we can make a positive difference in preventing exclusions and suspensions in our schools. Filled with current and practical perspectives from a range of stakeholders, Demie encourages school leaders to consider more deeply the scale of the problems and factors underlying school exclusions. He identifies key factors for school leaders that have proved successful in tackling school exclusions and suspensions. - Kulvarn Atwal, Head Teacher at Highlands Primary School and Uphall Primary School, UK