Students» reported levels of growth mindset, performance avoidance, and
academic behaviors differed significantly by grade level, prior academic achievement, English learner status, and race / ethnicity.
The lack of diversity in the teaching profession, combined with these
differing interpretations of student ability and
behavior, may partially explain why students of color are suspended or expelled from all levels of school at disproportionate rates.23 Such harsh discipline practices place them at higher risk of subsequent
academic disengagement and increase the probability that they will later drop out.24 While these mindsets may be unintentional, their prevalence greatly affects students» performance and
behavior.