jessica ganao | North Carolina Central University (original) (raw)

Papers by jessica ganao

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Risk Indicators on the Delinquency of African American and White Females

The criminal justice system and indeed the research community have recognized the need to focus o... more The criminal justice system and indeed the research community have recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of females. Unfortunately, much of the research being conducted on female delinquency focuses on the differences between males and females and does not address differences that exist among females to include race and class differences. The findings from this study show there are significant differences in the impact of risk factors on the delinquency of White and African American females that highlight the need for race specific research. Implications for delinquency prevention and intervention programs are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Contextual Factors on School Suspension for Black and White Students

Journal of Negro Education, 2013

Abstract:Prior research on school suspension has presented clear evidence on the disproportional ... more Abstract:Prior research on school suspension has presented clear evidence on the disproportional suspension of African Americans. In addition, prior research shows a connection between school suspension and contextual factors. However, little is understood regarding the link between contextual factors and school suspension, specifically as they relate to African Americans. The present study uses nationally representative data to assess the differential impact of contextual factors on school suspension for African Americans and Whites. The findings in this study show very few significant relationships to school suspension for African Americans as compared to Whites. Overall, the findings highlight the need for race specific research. Implications for policies, programs and future research are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Risk Indicators on the Delinquency of African American and White Females

The criminal justice system and indeed the research community have recognized the need to focus o... more The criminal justice system and indeed the research community have recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of females. Unfortunately, much of the research being conducted on female delinquency focuses on the differences between males and females and does not address differences that exist among females to include race and class differences. The findings from this study show there are significant differences in the impact of risk factors on the delinquency of White and African American females that highlight the need for race specific research. Implications for delinquency prevention and intervention programs are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Contextual Factors on School Suspension for Black and White Students

The Journal of Negro Education, 2013

IntroductionThe purpose of the current study is to examine the differential impact of contextual ... more IntroductionThe purpose of the current study is to examine the differential impact of contextual factors for school suspension on Black and White youth. Although, school suspension is the direct result of decisions made at the school level, understanding contextual factors that influence the process would have implications for policies and programs for students who are suspended and who are atrisk for suspension. More specifically, this study examines a comprehensive list of factors simultaneously. Previous studies have examined limited factors to include neighborhood and school factors, which do not offer a comprehensive understanding of the problem of school suspension and race. In addition, limitations on juvenile research are often due to the data available, many studies use small data sets that are not nationally representative of the population. This present study uses nationally representative data, which reduces issues related to data quality.Literature ReviewBrown v. Board of Education of Topeka Kansas (1954) started the process of equalizing education opportunities for all people in the United States regardless of race. Since then, there have been increased legislation aimed at expanding opportunities for others including students with disabilities. During the George W. Bush presidency, "No Child Left Behind" became the governing legislation regarding equality in the classroom, especially for poor children. However, research shows that the education system in the United States continues to struggle with the notion of education equality regarding race and other socioeconomic factors. The issue of equality is prevalent in the statistics regarding dropouts and school discipline with respect to race and other socioeconomic factors (Costenbader & Markson, 1998; Gregory, 1997; McCarthy & Dean, 1987; McFadden et al., 1992; Skiba et al., 2000; Skiba, Peterson, & Williams, 1997).The Children's Defense Fund of 1975 was one of the first studies that showed that Blacks were suspended at higher rates than their White peers (Washington Research Project, 1975). Since that time, the vast majorities of studies are consistent and reveal the same disparity (Costenbader & Markson, 1998; Gregory, 1997; McCarthy & Dean, 1987; Raffaele Mendez et al., 2002; Morrison et al., 2001). Research suggests the frequency by which Blacks and Whites are suspended from school is generally high overall. Blacks, not including any other minorities, make up 32% of all suspended students. Moreover, Blacks are suspended at a rate that is 2.3 times higher than White American students (Brooks, Schiraldi, & Ziedenberg, 2000). Research also suggests that Black students are less likely than White students to receive less punitive alternative sanctions once they are referred for disciplinary action (McFadden et al., 1992).One explanation for the disproportionate suspension rates is due to the socioeconomic differences among Blacks and White American students. However, most of the data do not support this hypothesis. The disproportionate representation of minorities in school suspension is the same after controlling for socioeconomic status (Skiba et al., 2000; Wu et al., 1982). Another hypothesis is that Black students and minorities do engage in more severe and violent behaviors. However, research that controls for the severity and violence of the offenses committed by students still show disproportionate treatment of Black students (Advancement Project/Civil Rights Project, 2000; McCarthy & Dean 1987; Skiba, Peterson, & Williams, 1997; Townsend, 2000).Individual Level Factors and School SuspensionPeer delinquency. Delinquent peer association has always been associated with poor academic performance. The characteristics of friends influence the motivation and attitudes of adolescents (Bemdt, 1999). Associating with juveniles who have problems in school may discourage school engagement. …

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Ethnicity on Gang Vulnerability among African American Males and Females

Research on African American male and female delinquents is often aggregated, which means differe... more Research on African American male and female delinquents is often aggregated, which means differences between these two groups are often not detected. However, African American males and females often have very different lived experiences, which is influenced by culture. Even individuals that are part of the same household can experience life differently, which might impact the prevalence and incidence of delinquency among African American males and females. Related to this, is the extent to which ethnicity mediates behavior for African American youth. Therefore, the purpose of this study is two-fold, the first, is to determine the differential impact of gender in understanding gang vulnerability for African American males and females. The second purpose of this study, is to assess the role of ethnicity in understanding gang vulnerability for African Americans in general and then by gender. Implications for further research are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Risk Indicators on the Delinquency of Latina and White Females

Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, 2012

The criminal justice system has recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of female... more The criminal justice system has recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of females; however, the research being conducted focuses on the differences between male and female delinquency and assumes that females are a homogeneous group. In addition, research on Latinas that offers insight into factors that impact their delinquency is limited. The present study uses a nationally representative data set to assess the differential impact of risk indicators on Latina and White female delinquency. The findings highlight the need for race-specific research. Implications for delinquency prevention and intervention programs are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Risk Indicators on the Delinquency of Latina and White Females

Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, 2012

The criminal justice system has recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of female... more The criminal justice system has recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of females; however, the research being conducted focuses on the differences between male and female delinquency and assumes that females are a homogeneous group. In addition, research on Latinas that offers insight into factors that impact their delinquency is limited. The present study uses a nationally representative data set to assess the differential impact of risk indicators on Latina and White female delinquency. The findings highlight the need for race-specific research. Implications for delinquency prevention and intervention programs are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Risk Indicators on the Delinquency of African American and White Females

The criminal justice system and indeed the research community have recognized the need to focus o... more The criminal justice system and indeed the research community have recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of females. Unfortunately, much of the research being conducted on female delinquency focuses on the differences between males and females and does not address differences that exist among females to include race and class differences. The findings from this study show there are significant differences in the impact of risk factors on the delinquency of White and African American females that highlight the need for race specific research. Implications for delinquency prevention and intervention programs are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Contextual Factors on School Suspension for Black and White Students

Journal of Negro Education, 2013

Abstract:Prior research on school suspension has presented clear evidence on the disproportional ... more Abstract:Prior research on school suspension has presented clear evidence on the disproportional suspension of African Americans. In addition, prior research shows a connection between school suspension and contextual factors. However, little is understood regarding the link between contextual factors and school suspension, specifically as they relate to African Americans. The present study uses nationally representative data to assess the differential impact of contextual factors on school suspension for African Americans and Whites. The findings in this study show very few significant relationships to school suspension for African Americans as compared to Whites. Overall, the findings highlight the need for race specific research. Implications for policies, programs and future research are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Risk Indicators on the Delinquency of African American and White Females

The criminal justice system and indeed the research community have recognized the need to focus o... more The criminal justice system and indeed the research community have recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of females. Unfortunately, much of the research being conducted on female delinquency focuses on the differences between males and females and does not address differences that exist among females to include race and class differences. The findings from this study show there are significant differences in the impact of risk factors on the delinquency of White and African American females that highlight the need for race specific research. Implications for delinquency prevention and intervention programs are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Contextual Factors on School Suspension for Black and White Students

The Journal of Negro Education, 2013

IntroductionThe purpose of the current study is to examine the differential impact of contextual ... more IntroductionThe purpose of the current study is to examine the differential impact of contextual factors for school suspension on Black and White youth. Although, school suspension is the direct result of decisions made at the school level, understanding contextual factors that influence the process would have implications for policies and programs for students who are suspended and who are atrisk for suspension. More specifically, this study examines a comprehensive list of factors simultaneously. Previous studies have examined limited factors to include neighborhood and school factors, which do not offer a comprehensive understanding of the problem of school suspension and race. In addition, limitations on juvenile research are often due to the data available, many studies use small data sets that are not nationally representative of the population. This present study uses nationally representative data, which reduces issues related to data quality.Literature ReviewBrown v. Board of Education of Topeka Kansas (1954) started the process of equalizing education opportunities for all people in the United States regardless of race. Since then, there have been increased legislation aimed at expanding opportunities for others including students with disabilities. During the George W. Bush presidency, "No Child Left Behind" became the governing legislation regarding equality in the classroom, especially for poor children. However, research shows that the education system in the United States continues to struggle with the notion of education equality regarding race and other socioeconomic factors. The issue of equality is prevalent in the statistics regarding dropouts and school discipline with respect to race and other socioeconomic factors (Costenbader & Markson, 1998; Gregory, 1997; McCarthy & Dean, 1987; McFadden et al., 1992; Skiba et al., 2000; Skiba, Peterson, & Williams, 1997).The Children's Defense Fund of 1975 was one of the first studies that showed that Blacks were suspended at higher rates than their White peers (Washington Research Project, 1975). Since that time, the vast majorities of studies are consistent and reveal the same disparity (Costenbader & Markson, 1998; Gregory, 1997; McCarthy & Dean, 1987; Raffaele Mendez et al., 2002; Morrison et al., 2001). Research suggests the frequency by which Blacks and Whites are suspended from school is generally high overall. Blacks, not including any other minorities, make up 32% of all suspended students. Moreover, Blacks are suspended at a rate that is 2.3 times higher than White American students (Brooks, Schiraldi, & Ziedenberg, 2000). Research also suggests that Black students are less likely than White students to receive less punitive alternative sanctions once they are referred for disciplinary action (McFadden et al., 1992).One explanation for the disproportionate suspension rates is due to the socioeconomic differences among Blacks and White American students. However, most of the data do not support this hypothesis. The disproportionate representation of minorities in school suspension is the same after controlling for socioeconomic status (Skiba et al., 2000; Wu et al., 1982). Another hypothesis is that Black students and minorities do engage in more severe and violent behaviors. However, research that controls for the severity and violence of the offenses committed by students still show disproportionate treatment of Black students (Advancement Project/Civil Rights Project, 2000; McCarthy & Dean 1987; Skiba, Peterson, & Williams, 1997; Townsend, 2000).Individual Level Factors and School SuspensionPeer delinquency. Delinquent peer association has always been associated with poor academic performance. The characteristics of friends influence the motivation and attitudes of adolescents (Bemdt, 1999). Associating with juveniles who have problems in school may discourage school engagement. …

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Ethnicity on Gang Vulnerability among African American Males and Females

Research on African American male and female delinquents is often aggregated, which means differe... more Research on African American male and female delinquents is often aggregated, which means differences between these two groups are often not detected. However, African American males and females often have very different lived experiences, which is influenced by culture. Even individuals that are part of the same household can experience life differently, which might impact the prevalence and incidence of delinquency among African American males and females. Related to this, is the extent to which ethnicity mediates behavior for African American youth. Therefore, the purpose of this study is two-fold, the first, is to determine the differential impact of gender in understanding gang vulnerability for African American males and females. The second purpose of this study, is to assess the role of ethnicity in understanding gang vulnerability for African Americans in general and then by gender. Implications for further research are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Risk Indicators on the Delinquency of Latina and White Females

Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, 2012

The criminal justice system has recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of female... more The criminal justice system has recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of females; however, the research being conducted focuses on the differences between male and female delinquency and assumes that females are a homogeneous group. In addition, research on Latinas that offers insight into factors that impact their delinquency is limited. The present study uses a nationally representative data set to assess the differential impact of risk indicators on Latina and White female delinquency. The findings highlight the need for race-specific research. Implications for delinquency prevention and intervention programs are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Differential Impact of Risk Indicators on the Delinquency of Latina and White Females

Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, 2012

The criminal justice system has recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of female... more The criminal justice system has recognized the need to focus on the delinquent behavior of females; however, the research being conducted focuses on the differences between male and female delinquency and assumes that females are a homogeneous group. In addition, research on Latinas that offers insight into factors that impact their delinquency is limited. The present study uses a nationally representative data set to assess the differential impact of risk indicators on Latina and White female delinquency. The findings highlight the need for race-specific research. Implications for delinquency prevention and intervention programs are discussed.