ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses areas of concern for African American families in regards to public education. It explains the term "school-to-postsecondary pipeline" to explore proactive strategies that are currently beneficial for African American students and families in K–12 education settings. The chapter provides: national education context and background information; detailed steps of the school-to-prison pipeline; a theoretical framework for analysis and discussion; key "leaks" in the school-to-prison pipeline; data and analysis on preemptive educational programs; and proposals for future research. The chapter examines 5 S's of the school-to-prison pipeline— including stigmatized, segregated, silenced, suppressed, and sentenced. After the implementation of No Child Left Behind in 2001, "zero tolerance policies" became a method for controlling the student population. The recommendations provide a practitioner-focused examination of ways to improve schooling conditions for African American youth. The proposed steps include compassionate educators, curriculum redesign, and community engagement, which serve as a tripartite structure leading to college or career matriculation.
