Zero Tolerance Policies And School Discipline - 10009 Words

Research suggests that policies and practices have created a dilemma that has plagued our education system, as well as our society as a whole, that funnels millions of students from school into the juvenile justice system (Robinson, 2013). This dilemma, known as the school-to-prison pipeline is garnering much attention in Virginia due to the states continued issues in overcoming the phenomenon. This study explores zero tolerance policies and school discipline to better understand its effect in to bring awareness to an issue that may help in dismantling this pipeline. Particularly looking at those school divisions within Virginia that have disciplined students by expelling them or placing them on long-term suspension, since these†¦show more content†¦Other negatives include the exclusion of students who have been expelled from the educational opportunities of their peers and thus leading to increased dropouts. She goes on to tell us that there is little evidence to show that suspensions actually improve student behavior (Walker, 2009). Researcher Torbin McAndrews recognizes the negatives of zero tolerance policies and explains that effective zero tolerance policies must â€Å"specify consequences; allow flexibility; consider alternatives to expulsion; clearly define weapons, drugs, and inappropriate acts; involve the collaboration of all stakeholders; build on le ssons from early programs; integrate health-education programs; tailor policies to local needs; and implement regular program review† (p.14). Unfortunately, research shows that these policies are not being implemented in this manner, but instead see these policies leading to what Kelling and Coles referred to as the â€Å"Broken Windows† theory of crime (Kelling Coles, 1997). This theory of crime shows a â€Å"trickle-down effect† of how things that start as minor crimes can then lead to more serious issues and crimes. For example, Steven Teske described this theory in his article, A study of zero tolerance policies in schools: A multi-integrated systems approach to improve outcomes forShow MoreRelatedCriminalization at School: Zero-Tolerance Discipline Policies Might Be Damaging to Students1309 Words   |  6 Pagesrecommendation for expulsion because his school administrators believed he flashed a gang sign although he was simply putting up three fingers to represent his football jersey number. (NPR Isensee, 2014). This kind of criminalization of young people contributes to suspension, dropout, and incarceration, and too often pushes students into what is referred to by many education scholars and activists as the â€Å"school-to-prison pipeline,† a term that refers to â€Å"the policies and practices that push our nation’sRea d MoreThe Negative Consequences of Discipline1836 Words   |  7 Pagesresponsibilities of schools is to keep its students and teachers safe from harm and violence. Over the years, this has meant applying zero tolerance policies, which have encouraged and led to overcriminalization and the over-intervention of the juvenile justice system. This correlation between zero tolerance measures and the justice system has been termed â€Å"school-to-prison-pipeline†. Zero tolerance has, for the most part, worked; but do we like how it has worked? Although this policy has some benefitsRead MoreWe Are Now Operating A School System1236 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican schools system â€Å"We are now operating a school system in America that’s more segregated than at any time since the death of Martin Luther King†- Jonathan Kozol. Education has impacted everyones life one way or another. It is such an important part of our lives that we have to make sure we perfect it. While millions of people from America have been successful with the great education America offers. However, it is still full of segregation, and improper discipline methods such as zero-toleranceRead MoreArgument Essay: Zero Tolerance Policy1597 Words   |  7 PagesChicken Finger Wars: A Discussion on School Zero Tolerance Policies On April 20, 1999, in the small town of Littleton, Colorado, two high-school students named Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris committed one of the most gruesome and heinous school shootings to date. They carried out a meticulously planned assault on Columbine High School during the middle of the school day. The boys original plan was to kill hundreds of their peers. Armed with guns, knives, and a multitude of bombs, the two boysRead MoreDirty Tolerance Laws, Bad Schools And Schools Is Failing Millions Of Minority Students1420 Words   |  6 Pagesbad schools, bad polices and police fuel the school to prison pipeline It is estimated that 3.3 million children annually are expelled or suspended for violent or non violent offenses while attending school school. The majority of the offenses are nonviolent offenses that are handled just as harshly as violent school infractions due to zero tolerance laws. This essay will show how how zero tolerance laws, bad schools and policing in schools is failing millions of minority students and fueling theRead MoreZero Tolerance Policies in American Schools Essay874 Words   |  4 Pagesthere is a form of discipline known as a zero tolerance policy. While the exact wording is different from school to school, basically a zero tolerance policy means that a student is immediately suspended, asked to attend an alternative school, or expelled if they are suspected or caught doing certain things. These policies are in place to hopefully deter students from doing drugs or being violent, but the ethics behind them are questionable. Some research has shown that these pol icies may not even workRead MoreEthical Dilemmas Of Police Schools1726 Words   |  7 Pagesin Schools Mark A. Birmingham East Stroudsburg University APA 6th. â€Æ' Abstract This paper will discuss the various ethical dilemmas facing school resource officers (SRO). This will include problems with 4th amendment protections of students, interviews and interrogations of juveniles, as well as, privacy issues expected by students and faculty. Other issues to be will also address two sociological theories, the Self Efficacy and the Modeling theory. I will also discuss how school discipline isRead MoreThe Dangers Of Too Much Technology1296 Words   |  6 PagesIssues exist within the models of learning due to the integration of technology replacing traditional teaching methods in addition to inappropriate execution of discipline through Zero-Tolerance Policies that could be resolved by the United States Department of Education because both issues have contributed to lower test scores, a reduced amount of human interactions in classrooms, an increase in drop-out, suspension, and expulsion rates all contributing to the degradation of the education systemRead M oreZero Tolerance And Its Contribution On The School And Prison Pipeline1446 Words   |  6 PagesZero Tolerance and its Contribution to the School-to-Prison Pipeline A trend has developed in our society in recent decades. This concerning trend shows that African American youth are finding their way into the criminal justice system at a much higher rate than their peers. This trend starts in schools where students as young as fifth graders are being suspended from school for minor issues. Police officers are being used more and more to handle situations in the schools rather than teachers. DoesRead MoreEssay on Zero Tolerance Policy of Education in America1379 Words   |  6 PagesZero Tolerance Policy of Education in America In Bedford, Texas, a 16-year-old honor student was expelled after a security guard noticed a kitchen knife on the floor of the students car. The knife apparently had fallen unnoticed as the student carted some of his grandmothers possessions to Goodwill. He was ordered to spend a year in a juvenile-justice education program and banished from