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September 26, 2007

American Psychological Association Report Challenges School Zero Tolerance Policies

A report issued by the American Psychological Association (APA) finds that zero tolerance policies in use throughout U.S. school districts have not been effective in reducing violence or promoting learning in school. The report called for a change in these policies and indicated a need for alternatives, including restorative practices such as restorative justice conferences. The report found that "zero tolerance has not been shown to improve school climate or school safety."

The task force found that zero tolerance polices may have actually increased disciplinary problems and dropout rates in middle and secondary schools, worsened student's mental health, failed to support families, exacerbated the problem of over-representation of minority and emotionally disabled students in school discipline systems, negatively impacted school-wide academic achievement and generated inappropriate consequences for younger children.

"By subjecting students to automatic punishments that do not take into account extenuating or mitigating circumstances, zero tolerance policies represent a lost moment to teach children respect and a missed chance to inspire their trust of authority figures."

The task force recommends "a meaningful approach to school discipline … one that treats students and their families with respect throughout the process, seeks to learn from students and to nurture their learning and growth as human beings and that finds ways to bring students more deeply into the school community and the surrounding community as well." The task force also recommends collaboration and communication between schools, families, police and juvenile justice and mental-health professionals.