There is no doubt that the safety of children in schools and in communities is paramount. Incidents of school violence in the United States have motivated researchers and practitioners to explore and employ effective methodologies and strategies to promote safety in classrooms and schools. Still, issues of disruptive behavior top the list of…

Despite the controversies that it has created in school districts throughout the country, zero tolerance continues to be a widely used response to school disruption and violence. This paper explores the history, philosophy, and effectiveness of zero-tolerance school disciplinary strategies. Growing out of Reagan-Bush-era drug-enforcement policy,…

Discussion of the increasing emphasis of school discipline and zero tolerance procedures and policies suggests there is little evidence that they have resulted in increased school safety or improved student behavior. A preventive, early response disciplinary model is suggested to increase the range of effective options for addressing violence and…