Multiple Responses, Promising Results: Evidence-Based, Nonpunitive Alternatives To Zero Tolerance

Posted by on April 04, 2011

Report shows limited effectiveness of school zero tolerance policies

A new report from Child Trends highlights rigorously evaluated, non-punitive alternatives to zero tolerance that have shown promise in improving school safety and student outcomes.

The brief, Multiple Responses, Promising Results: Evidence-Based, Nonpunitive Alternatives To Zero Tolerance, also finds a lack of rigorous research on the effectiveness of zero tolerance school discipline policies, and that the existing research shows no evidence that these policies decrease school violence.

Among the findings are that alternatives that take a largely preventive approach to violence and misbehavior – such as character education or social-emotional learning programs and School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports – have been shown through rigorous, experimental evaluations to have significant, positive impacts on student behaviors, as well as on academic achievement in some cases.

Non-punitive approaches towards negative behavior – such as targeted behavioral supports for at-risk students – have been shown to reduce violent behavior in school.  These programs typically involve program leaders engaging students in daily or weekly exercises to build social skills and small group or one-on-one training sessions.

The report says that because of the variation in the scope and interpretation of zero tolerance policies among schools, coupled with the lack of rigorous evaluations of these policies, no conclusions can be drawn on their impacts nationally.  It said that the existing research using urban school district data and case studies shows no evidence that zero tolerance policies decrease school violence.

The report also noted that zero tolerance policies may be related to negative outcomes in cases in which students are suspended, expelled, or attend a school with especially harsh policies.  For example, students who receive a suspension in middle or high school are also significantly less likely to graduate on time and are more likely to drop out.

To view the report, go here.

http://www.childtrends.org/Files//Child_Trends-2011_03_01_RB_AltToZeroTolerance.pdf