The present study assessed teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness and equitability of, and policy alternatives to, zero tolerance policies, as well as how teachers perceived the consideration of higher levels of governance to implement their recommendations regarding policy alternatives. This study used a research design of a case study, which included interviews with 17 teachers in Polk County, Florida, as well as historical data, and was guided by the theoretical framework of Lindblom's incremental theory. The findings of this study are that teachers perceive zero tolerance policies ranging from ineffective to mildly effective. Teachers perceived zero tolerance policies as inequitable and indicated that a differentiated discipline approach is more effective and equitable. Also, teachers identified some salient qualities of effective discipline practices due to the different needs of students, but did not consider themselves as key contributors in developing school discipline policies. The implications of this study can provide insight to policymakers in helping develop legislation, and provides insight that could make discipline practices more equitable through a differentiated approach, as teachers believe that a singular discipline approach will not be effective. The recommendations for practice are to reserve zero tolerance policies for major infractions and to grant teachers more discretionary power to make discipline practices more equitable. It is recommended that accountability measures be implemented by higher levels of governance to reduce the disproportionality of suspension rates. Also, it is recommended that each school in Polk County develop a committee of stakeholders to develop school discipline policies and practices. The recommendation for future research focuses on assessing the perceptions of other stakeholders and assessing the effectiveness of recommended practices after implementation. This study can be used to inform policymakers and stakeholders of the needs of reform regarding school discipline policies and practices. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]