User:KimberlyKuizon/sandbox

Another motivation for students to dropout of school comes from the schools practicing zero tolerance policies. Zero tolerance policies require school officials to give out harsh and consistent punishments for misbehavior, regardless of the students’ background or circumstances. The Zero Tolerance Task Force was commissioned by the American Psychological Association (APA)  to thoroughly examine evidence regarding the academics and behavior outcomes from the use of zero tolerance policies. Within their research, the task force concluded with recommendations for phasing out zero tolerance policies and implementing more positive alternatives. In a wide lens view of constant use of zero tolerance policies, the rising number of students who have been suspended and expelled correlates to a presumably trend of school dropout and lack of students graduating on-time

More times than not, these policies contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. The school-to-prison pipeline displays students who have been pushed out of their schools and into the criminal justice system. Once students are forced out of their schools, they seek out other alternatives to feel accepted - which are usually from negative predispositions. A prime example of this is the impact of zero tolerance policies on students of color. A major concern is the use of unreasonable discipline for these students, especially African Americans. Evidence has shown that this inconsistency with discipline is not directly stemming from an economic disadvantage or Black students demonstrating significantly higher rates of violence or disorder. Despite this evidence, Black students are potentially disciplined more harshly for minor and subjective justification. From growing research, this inordinate discipline on Black students stems from a lack of teacher training in class management and preparation of culturally competent practices. The students' feeling of security from other outside forces leads to them losing trust in the school system and ultimately dropping out.