According to the school s policy, post should have turned the blade in immediately. The zerotolerance approach to classroom misbehavior parents. National center for education statistics nces whats. Aug 01, 2014 while student discipline problems have plagued schools for years, many lawyers say zero tolerance like policies at schools have outlived their usefulness and may in fact be doing more harm than good. Understand what the policy covers and makes certain your. A zero tolerance policy in schools is a strict enforcement of regulations and bans against behaviors or the possession of items deemed undesirable by said schools. A zero tolerance policy in schools requires administrators to hand down specific and consistent punishment for certain behaviors that occur on campus. Just what are zero tolerance policies and are they. Pros and cons of zero tolerance policies in schools. Since the 1980s the phrase zero tolerance has signified a philosophy toward illegal conduct that favors strict imposition of penalties regardless of the individual circumstances of.
Nword firing shows that zero tolerance means zero common sense zero tolerance in thi. The school staff come together and come up with a zero tolerance rule. When parents and educators discuss school discipline, one of the things that comes up most are zero tolerance policies. For example, a study on the impact of zero tolerance policies in the school district of philadelphia tells stories of students like the fifth grader who was arrested, suspended and transferred to.
The only thing that i see as a downside in this book is i completely identified with sierra the conscientious student who always tries to do what is right. Zero tolerance assembles prominent educators and intellectuals, including the rev. Zero tolerance approach to bad behaviour in schools amount. While not all of the material may apply to you and your child, there is essential information contained in the handbook that will help you interact with your childs school and be the best advocate for your child. Zero tolerance policies have not had an impact in keeping schools safer and could have adverse consequences, the expert panel said in its report on bullying across the united states. In general, data tended to contradict the presumptions made in applying a. These policies stemmed from law enforcements adoption of the broken windows theory and the gunfree schools act. We know that an attitude of non tolerance for bullying is an essential element of any school policy against bullying. The policy of applying laws or penalties to even minor infringements of a code in order to reinforce its overall importance and enhance deterrence. Apr, 2017 schools began implementing zero tolerance policies, mostly in relation to drug possession, in the late 1980s, according to russell j. So when she realizes that she grabbed her mothers lunch by mistake one day and it has a paring knife in it, she does the right thing and turns it in immediately. We need zero tolerance for abandoning the use of discretion. The case against zero tolerance in schools psychology today.
Removal of students who violate school rules will create a school climate more conducive to learn ing for those students who remain. Zerotolerance policies do not distinguish between serious and nonserious offenses. The punishment applies regardless of the circumstances, the reasons for the behavior like selfdefense, or the students history of discipline problems. We examined the data concerning the following ve key assumptions of zero tolerance policies. There may also be disagreements regarding where to draw the line when it comes to bullying. What this means varies from locality to locality, but it generally involves severe punishments for anyone involved in fighting, without regard to any details of the case.
School administrators need to look at the circumstances surrounding an incident and use positive, social skills programs instead of relying solely on zero tolerance policies. The brief gives an overview of research on zero tolerance. Public criticism against such policies has arisen due to the sometimes negative consequences of its enforcement when acts deemed intolerable are done in ignorance, by accident, or under extenuating circumstances. Zero tolerance policies in americas schools are declining, but you might not be able to tell since so many practices get lumped under the zero tolerance label, a school discipline expert says. A zero tolerance policy is one which imposes a punishment for every infraction of a stated rule. In england it is the myth of the school leader as hero, as exemplified by the previous chief inspector of schools michael wilshaw who gained a reputation as a super head turning around an inner city school and being parachuted in to save another. Statistically colleges and schools are the safest places for children and teens. Fueled in part by such evidence, legislators and school boards in select areas have started to rethink the onesizefitsall approach of zero tolerance that remains the rule in most places. These large cities are at the vanguard of a shift away from zerotolerance school discipline toward less punitive strategies that emphasize talking it. Instead, some innocent students are having their reputations destroyed. The goal of zero tolerance policies in schools is to deter crime and create safe schools by removing rule breakers.
Zerotolerance policies require school officials to give students a specific, consistent, and harsh punishment, usually suspension or expulsion, when certain rules are broken. The districts legal role in providing public education and the basic principles underlying school board governance. The approach gained popularity during the 1980s, and by the mid1990s, most school districts in the united states had. There should be no exceptions under any circumstances and kids should receive serious consequences for violating the. It can take away a classroom teachers autonomy to settle minor incidents and prevent bullying. However, some feel that in some cases the penalties are too harsh. Includes information on how the policy manual is organized, document specifications, and an overview of policies and rules. There is no evidence, for instance, that zero tolerance policieswhich mandate automatic punishment, such as suspension or expulsion, for infractions of a stated rulehave. This term is often misused and misunderstood, according to new researchi. Amid evidence zero tolerance doesnt work, schools reverse. The rule stated that any student with a weapon must be automatically suspended for five days and given a school hearing no matter the circumstances. Zerotolerance policies and the school to prison pipeline. A reallife scenario from longmont, colorado demonstrates this point.
Dec 14, 2011 zerotolerance policies attempt to create an unambiguous statement about right and wrong in order to create safer schools and presumably to teach our kids how to act more responsibly. Zero tolerance began as a prohibition against guns, but it has quickly expanded into a frenzy of punishment and tougher disciplinary measures in american schools. Although no federal law exists, state legislation has been enacted to prevent bullying and cyberbullying. Under zero tolerance, students who break certain school rules face mandatory penalties, including suspension and referral to law enforcement. Have zero tolerance policies made schools safer and more effective in handling disciplinary issues. In the us, the rationale for adopting this approach has been that school violence was so widespread and pervasive that something drastic needed to be done. School safety is critical, but zero tolerance policies have been criticized for being ineffective and contributing to the school toprison pipeline. Sep 29, 2015 schools set up zero tolerance with only one mandatory consequence because they want a foolproof system even a fool can do it.
Positive effects of the zerotolerance policy used in schools. Zero tolerance policies are supposed to protect schools from violence and drugs. Over the past decade, zero tolerance policies have expanded to predetermined punishments for a wide degree of rule violations. Decades of data show nyc schools discipline african american and latino students at higher rates. There is always an exception to every rule, and saying that school has zero tolerance on something is absolutely horrible, creates a lot of problems, and solves no problems. Why should context matter in zero tolerance policies. The main characters are sierra, a seventh grader that is a perfect student, mr. The problem with zero tolerance policies in public schools. Zerotolerance for bullying doesnt work, experts say. A zero tolerance policy requires school officials to hand down specific, consistent, and harsh punishmentusually suspension or expulsionwhen students break certain rules. Increased media coverage of these suicides has led the public to demand legislative action. Zero tolerance rules force schools into straitjacket john leo some school officials imagined that bythebook penalties, by eliminating discretion, would reduce parental protests and litigation. Eightyseven and 88 percent had policies of zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs, respectively.
It was certainly implemented with the best of intentions. Losing my tolerance for zero tolerance this is true. Zero tolerance is a great novel for middle school students as it takes a close look at what is right, wrong, fair, and unfair, and how, often, those lines can be blurred. The consequences given to students are usually harsh, involving either suspension or expulsion, and it can sometimes be. Cyberbullying has become an epidemic in todays society.
Regardless, some schools decide to ban all personal technology from school grounds. Its the cutanddry solution, and it makes lines clear. Heres why a zerotolerance policy in our schools is a. For starters, zero tolerance feels to me like an oxymoron. A zerotolerance policy in schools is a strict enforcement of regulations and bans against behaviors or the possession of items deemed undesirable by said schools. Zero tolerance policies were first enacted as a way to enforce suspension and expulsion policies in response to drugs, weapons, and violent acts in schools. Proponents report it doesnt matter why a particular rule was broken. The book that i read was zero tolerance by claudia mills, and published by square fish. This should be a required read, especially for those who sit around and implement zero tolerance policies. Seventhgrader sierra shepard has always been the perfect student, so when she sees that she accidentally brought her mothers lunch bag to school, including a paring knife, she immediately turns in the knife at the school office. The dilemma of zero tolerance educational leadership ascd. Jan 01, 20 zero tolerance policies have been used to punish kids for really dumb things. Supporters of zerotolerance say strict policies are necessary to keep the learning environment safe for students. Understand what the policy covers and makes certain your child understands the policy.
However, using zero tolerance for health forms is different from using zero tolerance for cell phone use. Sparked by president bill clintons gunfree schools act of 1994, the zero tolerance policy has discouraged and punished students who hinder learning in schools by fighting, using profane words, disobeying rules, and bringing drugs, alcohol, and weapons to school. About 90 percent of schools reported having zero tolerance policies for firearms and other weapons. From what ive said so far, it seems like the case against zero tolerance would be quite clear cut.
Most are designed to prohibit weapons on school grounds as well as use and distribution of illegal drugs on school campuses. Aug 25, 2016 amid evidence zero tolerance doesnt work, schools reverse themselves story. A zerotolerance policy in schools is a strict enforcement of regulations and bans against. Jan 18, 2018 zerotolerance policies were written into school handbooks in the 1990s, created originally to be a deterrent for bringing weapons into schools. Zero tolerance policies in schools implement rules and strict consequences for violation of these rules. If your childs school has a zero tolerance policy, educate yourself about the rules. These policies are usually promoted as preventing drug abuse, violence, and gang activity in schools. In schools, common zero tolerance policies concern possession or use of drugs or weapons. Originally published in the book closing the school discipline gap. Studentparent handbook metro nashville public schools. After turning in a paring knife she accidentally brought to school with her lunch, a highachieving, rulefollowing seventhgrade girl is suspended, and her case. A key assump tion of zero tolerance policy is that the removal of disruptive students will result in a safer climate for others ewing, 2000.
Why some schools are rethinking zero tolerance policies. Zero tolerance policies can punish the wellintended. The researchers stopped short of advocating zero tolerance policies, however. Please tell us how or if it balances values, rules, and consequences. I thoroughly enjoyed this straightforward little book that sticks to the storyline. It is a great source of information on the issue of zero tolerance and the negative effects it has on both students and facultyadministration of the schools. Pros and cons of zero tolerance policies in schools verywell family. Teaching union calls zero tolerance school policies inhumane this article is more than 1 year old neu says some schools strict behaviour codes are damaging to pupil mental health. April 6, 2011, as the time is right to end zero tolerance related stories maryland school board considers regulation on student discipline, march 23, 2011. I liked that she made a really bad choice along the way, and i like how she handled the fall out from her choices. Teaching union calls zerotolerance school policies. Besser is the principal, a disciplinarian who has to run a strict school that is one of the best in the state. How zero tolerance blurred the lines between schools and.
Zero tolerance is a great novel for middle school students as it takes a close look at what is right. Around the same time, the broken windows theory of law enforcement became popular. Under a zerotolerance policy, a school official has no flexibility to consider the circumstances because physical violence is unacceptable across the board. In light of terrifying outbreaks of school violence, nearly all public schools have embraced a zero tolerance policy to deter students from malicious behavior. The punishment applies regardless of the circumstances, the reasons for the behavior like selfdefense. Fifthgrader shannon coslets mother packed a knife in her lunchbox with which shannon could cut her apple. Angry parents say zero tolerance rules are too harsh on kids. Zero tolerance policies have been adopted in schools and other education venues around the world. Zero tolerance means that a school will automatically and severely punish a student for.
A zero tolerance policy is not always effective, because educators and disciplinarians do not always agree about what actually constitutes a weapon. To say otherwise is to abdicate our abilities as thoughtful, moral individuals and become mere automatons. If your childs school has a zerotolerance policy, educate yourself about the rules. Make no mistake about a school zero tolerance policy. Is your public schools zerotolerance policy punishing. Zero tolerance policies forbid people in positions of authority from exercising discretion or changing punishments to fit the circumstances subjectively. Zero tolerance policies developed in the 1990s, in response to school shootings and general fears about crime.
Zero tolerance rules force schools into straitjacket. Catherine winter a gettough attitude prevailed among educators in the 1980s and 1990s, but research shows that zerotolerance policies dont make schools safer and lead to disproportionate discipline for students of color. During the 19961997 school year, 94% of schools had zero tolerance policies for fire arms, 87% for alcohol, and 79% for violence. Many school districts have recently implemented zero tolerance fighting policies.
In some jurisdictions, zerotolerance policies have come into conflict with freedom of religion rules already in place. The center on youth justice at the vera institute of justice has released a generation later. Zero tolerance policies, as the name suggests, allow schools to punish any infraction of the rules. Mar 17, 2015 zero tolerance policies mean that suspension is used as a consequence for infractions ranging from severe such as weapon possession to minor defiance or chronic tardiness. Sierra shepherd is a rule follower and an excellent student. There is compelling evidence that these dumbfounding policies are promoting misbehavior and actually making schools less safe. Zero tolerance policies do not work and never have worked. Several broad research studies reveal that harsh zero tolerance discipline policies do not make schools safer but instead put children at risk for dropping out of school and future involvement.
We love zero tolerance policies because they keep students safe. In 1994, federal legislation required states to expel any student who brought a firearm to school for one year. More and more schools are adopting a zerotolerance or no excuses culture in which any infringements of school rules are met with nonnegotiable sanctions, often permanent exclusion. Take a proactive approach to prevent your child from breaking the policy by having aspirin in a pocket or a squirt gun in a backpack. Are zero tolerance policies effective in the schools. Zerotolerance policies rob the rule of law of its moral authority by focusing on punishment rather than justice, they continued. The punishment applies regardless of the circumstances, the reasons for the behavior such as selfdefense, or the students history of disciplinary problems. The biggest rule is zero tolerance for bringing any kind of weapon to school, and sierra would never dream of violating that one.
Supporters of zero tolerance policies state that due to zero tolerance, crime has reduced by 30 percent in public schools since 1990 data collected by united states justice policy institute. What every teacher needs to know aboutzero tolerance. This caused concern over whether the zero tolerance policies were too strict. Under similar thinking, schools started enacting disciplinary policies that went further than the federal law. Under zero tolerance, students who break certain school rules face. Extremely strict behaviour policies unfairly punish working class children who may not be as. Following that law, many schools adopted zerotolerance policies for students who brought any type of weapon to school. How zerotolerance policies hurt kids the daily beast. Jul 26, 2018 far from zerotolerance behaviour policies being a problem, when schools sweat the small stuff offer clear guidance on good conduct, insist on calm, civil spaces, and help students feel valued. Cyberbullying has escalated so much that some victims commit suicide in order to escape their tormentors. The main characters in this story are the two boys, the school staff and their moms.
The reasoning of the zero tolerance policy here is that once you start making exceptions to a rule, then you dont really have one to enforce. I think that this book was really just exhilarating, i have never been amused at all by books that are realistic fiction but i enjoyed this book. Ironically, as this timely collection makes a handbook for parents, students, educators, and citizens. If schools didnt comply, theyd lose all federal funding. Skiba in a study for the indiana education policy center. As the american bar association aba describes, zero tolerance is the phrase that describes americas response to student misbehavior. A zerotolerance approach to discipline in schools amounts to child abuse, teachers have claimed. Implications for schools, leaders, and students by frank christopher curran dissertation submitted to the faculty of the graduate school of vanderbilt university in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of doctor of philosophy in leadership and policy studies august, 2015 nashville, tennessee. Zero tolerance policies are often judged as punitive, rigid and impersonal, therefore unfair and consequently, ineffective. Zero tolerance policies in schools do more harm than good. Longwood middle school has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to bringing drugs and weapons in the school. Zero tolerance policy was defined as a school or district policy that mandates predetermined consequences or punishments for specific offences. Sierra is a great student and model citizen, but when she makes an unintentional goof, her principals zerotolerance rules may kick her out of middle school.
Zero tolerance policies require specific and generally serious responses such as suspension or expulsion for certain types of student misconduct. The time is right to end zero tolerance in schools. The zero tolerance approach to fighting in schools. It often punishes kids for doing the right thing and discourages them from being good citizens. Heres why a zerotolerance policy in our schools is a terrible idea. In 1994, the federal government passed the gunfree schools act, which requires schools to expel any student who brings a gun to campus. And a recent report by a philadelphia youth advocacy group says zero tolerance policies are particularly harmful to minority. Zerotolerance policies attempt to create an unambiguous statement about right and wrong in order to create safer schools and presumably to teach our kids how to act more responsibly. Ironically, as this timely collection makes clear, recent research indicates that as schools adopt more zero tolerance policies they in fact become less safe, in part because the first casualties of these measures are the central, critical relationships between teacher and student and between school and community. I read this book for a presentation in my foundations of teaching class.
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