Social Justice in Positive Behavioral Interventions

August 13, 2012

A new project directed by Aydin Bal is working to (a) form socially positive, academically rich, and inclusive school cultures in Wisconsin schools and to (b) transform the state-level policy and practices that exclude or marginalize students from non-majority families. This research aims to help make the K-12 education system more socially just. In particular, Bal and colleagues are working to reduce the disproportionate representation of non-dominant students in punitive and exclusionary disciplinary actions (e.g., expulsion) and special education programs for emotional/ behavioral disorders. Research partners include the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, school districts, and community-based social justice organizations. More about Aydin Bal’s work with culturally responsive positive behavioral interventions is available here.