School-to-Prison Pipeline

Course Information

Registration Information

Meeting Times

Day Time Location
WED 4:00 - 7:00 pm SZB 524

Description

Overview: A variety of educational, juvenile justice, and criminal justice policies influence the number of children and youth who end up in secure correctional settings. This course analyzes policies and practices in elementary, middle, and high school that impact the success of youth – especially children of color and children with behavioral health challenges – in educational and disciplinary placements. It will also examine those aspects of the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems that intersect with the educational system and create a so-called pipeline for these youth to enter the criminal justice system. It will examine the disproportionate impact of these policies on children of color and those with special education needs and explore means to promote better outcomes for these youth. To enhance students’ understanding of these issues, the seminar includes site visits to a variety of settings including juvenile court and a juvenile correctional facility. The course will cover such topics as: behavioral health issues in children and youth; prevention and early intervention; special education; school discipline; use of seclusion and restraint in schools; dropouts and alternative educational placements; ticketing of juveniles; juvenile court involvement; and the local and state juvenile correctional systems. These topics increasingly are central to policy discussions both nationally and in Texas, where they are the focus of current legislative study and debate, as well as debate in the judicial policy-making arena. We will take advantage of any relevant legislative hearings to advance our understanding of the ties between school policies and the juvenile justice system in the state. The class is taught by Professor Lynda Frost, an expert in mental health, education policy, and juvenile justice. Students also hear from several guest speakers who are key stakeholders helping to shape policy and practice on these issues in Texas. The course will be highly interdisciplinary, and students will come from at least three academic programs, including the LBJ School of Public Affairs, the College of Education, and the School of Law. The course will emphasize and train students in important skills for participating in the policy process on these issues, including policy memo-writing and drafting issue briefs. Requirements: This class will be conducted as a seminar and it is dependent upon an informed and lively discussion. Students are required to attend all classes, do all the reading, and participate in class discussions. Class attendance and participation will be considered in grading. Writing assignments will include a policy memo, short reflection papers, and an issue brief on a subject of the student's choice. In an effort to serve the community and to offer students projects that are both practical and useful, the instructor will work with community-based organizations and government agencies to identify projects that will be of use to them in their efforts, and some of the specific writing assignments may be shaped around the needs of these stakeholders.

Instructors

Headshot of Frost, Lynda E. Frost, Lynda E.
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