1. Zero Tolerance Discipline Policies
Kody Christensen

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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