Rethinking Efforts in Breaking the School-to-Prison Pipeline: What Schools Can Do

The term "school-to-prison pipeline" describes a trend where students, especially those from marginalized communities, are funneled out of educational institutions into the criminal justice system. This phenomenon is frequently considered in relation to school zero-tolerance disciplinary practices, increased police presence in schools, and high rates of school suspensions. Unfortunately, besides ineffectiveness in misconduct reduction, these policies disproportionately impact vulnerable children, adolescents, and their families. The aim of this paper is to systematize research data on mechanisms beyond the cutting "school to prison pipeline“ at school level. Eligible studies meet the following criteria: assessed school-based disciplinary practices (designed or related to lower misbehaviors or delinquency); focused on school-aged children up to 18 years old; published in English; dated between the years 2015– 2025 and are directly accessible. Research data suggest that there is a scarcity of studies examining the effectiveness of disciplinary practices that are alternatives to punitive approaches. Restorative school-based practices have been found to be effective in decreasing in-school delinquency among reactive practices. Positive behavioral support and socialemotional learning as proactive practices, are recommended as effective strategies for preventing the school-to-prison pipeline and reducing inequality.