Zero Tolerance Discipline Policies Kody Christensen

Zero Tolerance Policy Enforce and maintain safe and effective learning environment Removing students with disruptive behavior to create a better learning environment for students who remain

Recent Criticism A six-year-old student receives a new camping tool in scouts that has a fork, spoon, and knife. Excited about the tool and being able to use it for the first time, the student takes the tool to school in the hopes of testing the tool out while eating lunch. However, the tool was viewed as a weapon by school officials and because of the school’s zero tolerance policy on weapons, the boy was suspended.

Criticism Cont. Application of predetermined consequence most often severe and punitive in nature Applied regardless of gravity of behavior, circumstances, or situational context

Rationalization Fair and equal discipline allows for effective policy Publics’ perception of unsafe and violent school favor their use Sets high standards no-nonsense when dealing with violence and drugs

Zero Tolerance Policies Effectiveness Little research to support effectiveness More evidence to support policies do more harm than good Suspend students for minor infractions Environmental factors, intentions, and incidences are not independently look at Increased suspensions and time spent out of classroom is detrimental to students well being

Reforming Zero Tolerance Discipline Policies 3 Tier intervention strategies Primary Strategies Target all students Secondary Strategies Target students at a risk for violence or disruption Tertiary Strategies Target students all ready associated with violet disruptive behavior

Recommendations for Modifications to Zero Tolerance Apply zero tolerance policies with greater flexibility, taking school context and teacher expertise into account Carefully define all infractions, whether major or minor, and train all staff in appropriate means of handling each infraction Reserve zero tolerance disciplinary removals for only the most serious and severe of disruptive behaviors

Implement preventative measures that can improve school climate and improve the sense of school community and belongingness