Alternatives to Zero Tolerance Policies
DOWNLOAD THE FULL DOCUMENT
Alternatives to Zero Tolerance Policies (
PDF, 228 KB, 12 pgs.)
In bullying incidences, research shows that zero tolerance policies don’t work. This resource offers alternative approaches.
Overview
In response to highly publicized violent incidents in schools, such as the Columbine High School massacre, school disciplinary policies have become increasingly severe. These policies have been implemented at the school, district, and state levels with the goal of ensuring the safety of students and staff. Many of these policies have one component in common: zero tolerance. While it is clear that protecting the safety of students and staff is one of school leaders‘ most important responsibilities, it is not clear that zero tolerance policies are succeeding in improving school safety. In fact, some evidence based on nonexperimental studies suggests that these policies actually may have an adverse effect on student academic and behavioral outcomes.
Child Trends developed this brief to explore these issues. The brief does this in two ways: it reviews existing research on the implementation and effects of zero tolerance in the school setting; and it highlights rigorously evaluated, nonpunitive alternatives to zero tolerance that have shown greater promise in improving school safety and student outcomes. Nonpunitive programs that take a largely preventive approach to school discipline have been found to keep students and schools safe by reducing the need for harsh discipline. These programs take many forms, such as targeted behavioral supports for students who are at-risk for violent behavior, character education programs, or positive behavioral interventions and supports that are instituted schoolwide.
MULTIMEDIA
View our multimedia page with current videos and slideshows concerning bullying.
Pledges as of
NEA’s Bully Free: It Starts With Me
Help us reach our goal of 100,000 Pledges by 2013! Together, we can help put an end to bullying in our schools.
Bully Free Resources for ESPs
RELATED ITEMS
- Bullying, Harassment and Hazing: State School Healthy Policy Database A listing of all current state policies addressing bullying.
- Focus on: Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgendered Persons NEA research that examines and enriches our understanding of the achievement gap for GLBT students.
- A Report on the Status of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People in Education Practical resources for creating a supportive environment and guidance for school employees and GLBT students.
- What Works: Focus on Learning While Female From the issues to actions: protecting female students from sexual harassment and bullying.
COMMENTS: