Research Plan

Phase 1: National audit of suspension and exclusion policies and practices

• Identification and analysis of the policies guiding exclusionary practices in different jurisdictions.
• Identification of the types and forms of exclusionary practices used in different jurisdictions.

Phase 2: National investigation of the incidence of exclusionary practices

• Comparative analysis of the actual number of suspensions and exclusions recorded in different jurisdictions (i.e., their incidence) over a 5-year period.
• The reasons cited for suspensions and exclusions.
• Breakdown of which groups of students are suspended and excluded by age, gender, ethnicity, location, and socio-economic status.

Phase 3: Examination of the impact of exclusionary practices on students’ health and welfare

• A retrospective qualitative investigation of the life trajectories of 40 students who have been suspended or excluded from schools. This investigation will provide a greater understanding of the impact that exclusionary practices have on individuals in Australia. It will provide nuanced data to inform policies and practices.