User:Alvarez4444/sandbox

= Zero tolerance (schools) =

Reforms to zero tolerance policies
The American Psychological Association (hereafter referred to as the APA) assembled a Zero Tolerance Task Force in 2008 that reviewed data and extensive literature on zero tolerance policies and their effects on student behavior. After synthesizing the evidence, the APA found that zero tolerance policies do not support child development nor improve school climate or school safety. The APA made several recommendations to reform zero tolerance policies for serious infractions.


 * One reform introduced by the APA was for school staff to consider teacher expertise and allow for greater flexibility when applying zero tolerance policies. According to the APA, professional school staff need greater discretion when applying zero tolerance policies because they are often the best mediators when evaluating infractions.
 * Similarly, the APA recommended that all offenses be defined and that school officials be adequately trained to handle each offense. The APA affirmed that adequate teacher training will (1) protect teachers from being wrongfully accused of how they applied their school policy and (2) protect students from unfair repercussions.
 * Another reform presented by the APA was for schools to evaluate their disciplinary prevention strategies. The APA maintained that schools, after evaluating their existing interventions and programs, would have strategies that have a positive effect on student behavior and school climate.

Alternatives to zero tolerance policies
For less severe infractions, the APA provided alternatives to zero tolerance policies to ensure that students are not denied their opportunity to learn.


 * The APA encouraged schools to implement preventive strategies that foster student support and a sense of community as an alternative to zero tolerance policies. In particular, the APA asserted that research-supported preventive strategies improve the school climate and sense of community in schools, whereas zero tolerance policies result in immediate punishment.
 * For students who consistently engage in disruptive behavior, the APA recommended that schools design a list of effective alternatives they can use with students. The APA discussed various options that schools can implement to decrease disruptive behavior, including restorative justice, alternative programs, and community service.
 * The APA also promoted increasing culturally relevant training available to teachers. According to the APA, this strategy is important for teachers to integrate culturally responsive management and instruction in their classrooms and, therefore, reduce the disproportionate amount of disciplinary referrals to maximize student learning.