The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of participants who work as educators in the Northeastern Region of the United States regarding the use of Restorative Practices versus Zero Tolerance measures. These two disciplinary measures address disruptive behaviors in the classroom to establish and maintain a safe learning…

Policy makers continue to seek answers in addressing problem behaviors in schools. Zero tolerance in schools has been used widely across the nation yet educators have encountered many challenges with students who have been suspended for short or long periods. Research studies have found that the strategies used to address problem behaviors are not…

Providing students with equitable and safe learning experiences is a fundamental right; however school districts grapple with balancing student learning and student safety. In the Brown vs the Board of Education (1954) decision, the court identified education as a basic public responsibility and a principal instrument to facilitate understanding…

Most schools find it challenging to effectively manage disruptive student conduct such as violent outbursts, antisocial behavior, bullying, talking back, and truancy. One management tool utilized by teachers and administrators attempting to quell unruly behavior is exclusion through the use of suspension. Out-of-school suspension rates within the…

School administrators develop, recommend, and carry out policy for school districts. The policy can have long lasting effect on students. Ideology and gender of the administrator can influence adoption and implementation of individual school's policy. A study consisting of quantitative and qualitative measures was utilized to determine the…

Traditionally, many schools have utilized punitive, zero tolerance policies when addressing student discipline. Critics of zero tolerance policies argue that not only are they ineffective in reducing incidents of student misconduct, but also this type of punishment, such as expulsions and suspensions, often excludes students, disconnecting them…

Alternative programs in the nation are faced with the responsibility of meeting the needs of the students removed from their home school for various infractions. Current legislation (IDEA, 2004) holds educators legally responsible for providing all students, including those with disruptive behaviors, a free and appropriate education in the least…

Over the past decade, policymakers have enforced increasingly greater accountability demands for student achievement and zero tolerance policies. Legislators have outlined proficient measures for student achievement which includes students enrolled in general and special education classes and all ethnicities and socioeconomic levels. Schools…