More discretion?
The Dallas Morning News reports that a new state law is telling school districts to ease up on “zero-tolerance” discipline policies. The law directs administrators who dole out punishment in school incidents to consider mitigating factors such as intent and self-defense. Zero-tolerance discipline policies became more prevalent as educators tried to crack down on violence and substance abuse on their campuses. But the one-size-fits-all punishment often appeared harsh for minor offenses or for students who had no history of trouble at school. The article cites an incident in which a high school student was expelled after a butter knife, part of a cutlery set that was to be taken to Goodwill, was found in the student’s truck bed.
Do you think zero-tolerance discipline is a sound policy for school systems?
Leave a comment below.
September 29th, 2009 @ 9:51 am
We should move away from zero tolerance because of the narrow parameters it imposes. You have to trust the school’s administration to do the right things, especially when it comes to discipline. If you take the latitude and margin for circumstances away from the school’s leadership, you really don’t need them. There is no need for discussion or evaluation; just impose the consequence and move on to the next issue. In an assembly line type of discipline system, where is the learning? Where is the possibility of the student learning from their mistake? Zero tolerance is easy, black-and-white thinking. As educators, do we really think that there are only two solutions to any problem, only two paths to travel? Strong administrators do not need the cannon of zero tolerance to deal with their discipline problems; they need support from their faculty, parents and the central office administration. Let the leaders lead, give them the support to do their job, and you would be surprised at the results.