ERIC Number: EJ1310100
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0279-6015
EISSN: N/A
Teacher Support for Zero Tolerance Is Associated with Higher Suspension Rates and Lower Feelings of Safety
Huang, Francis L.; Cornell, Dewey G.
School Psychology Review, v50 n2-3 p388-405 2021
Zero tolerance as an approach to school safety has been around for almost 3 decades. Despite widespread criticisms of zero tolerance policies, few empirical studies have investigated the relationship of zero tolerance with school safety. More generally, the Government Accountability Office report on school shootings noted the need for research on the link between school discipline and school safety. Using a statewide survey from 108,888 students and 10,990 teachers from almost all Virginia middle schools, we found that a majority of surveyed teachers (74%) supported the use of zero tolerance as an effective discipline practice. Analysis using both linear and logistic regression indicated that support for zero tolerance was associated with higher rates of out-of-school suspension. Contrary to the goals of zero tolerance, both students and teachers in schools with greater support for zero tolerance had lower feelings of safety at school, even after controlling for school and student characteristics associated with safety. These findings offer new evidence to support efforts by school psychologists to discourage the use of zero tolerance and promote more effective school discipline practices.
Descriptors: Zero Tolerance Policy, School Safety, Middle School Students, Middle School Teachers, Discipline, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Educational Environment, Suspension, Expulsion, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Bullying, Victims, Grade Point Average, Aggression, Student Characteristics, Institutional Characteristics
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Elementary Education; Grade 6; Intermediate Grades; Grade 7; Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (DOJ)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: 2017CKBX0007