Multilevel Modeling Resolves Ambiguities in Analyses of Discipline Disproportionality: A Demonstration Comparing Title 1 Montessori and Non-Montessori Schools
Lee LeBoeuf
(Author) , Jacob Goldstein-Greenwood (Author)
, Angeline S. Lillard (Author)
Publication: Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness
Date: 2023-03-21
Pages: 1-26
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Abstract/Notes: Common methods of measuring discipline disproportionality can produce contradictory results and obscure base-rate information. In this paper, we show how using multilevel modeling to analyze discipline disparities resolves ambiguities inherent in traditional measures of disparities: relative rate ratios and risk differences. One previous study suggests there is less racial discipline disproportionality in Montessori schools, so we used our new approach, along with relative rate ratios and risk differences, to compare discipline disproportionality in a sample of Title 1 Montessori and non-Montessori schools identified using propensity score matching. Using the multilevel model clarified results from other measures: Discipline disproportionality was similar across school settings, even though overall rates were significantly lower in the Montessori schools.
