(2008) American Psychological Association (APA) Zero Tolerance Task Force

This report highlights research identifying that zero-tolerance policies may negatively affect the relationships between education and juvenile justice as well as hinder adolescent development. The report concludes that data raises questions about the effectiveness of zero tolerance policies.

Failed Policies, Broken Futures: The True Cost of Zero Tolerance in Chicago

(2011) Voices of Youth in Chicago Education (VOYCE)

This report draws from research and student’s own stories, to demonstrate that zero tolerance does not lead to safer schools or improved academic outcomes and damages student-teacher relations. Zero tolerance policies have major financial costs to taxpayers.

The Zero Tolerance, Zero Evidence: An Analysis of School Disciplinary Practice

(2000) Indiana Education Policy Center

This paper explores the history, philosophy, and effectiveness of zero tolerance policies in schools. Few studies report that zero tolerance policies improve student behavior or school safety and instead finds that research on suspension and expulsion—essential parts of zero tolerance policies—raises serious concerns about the consistency, fairness, and effectiveness of such discipline.

The Time Is Right to End 'Zero Tolerance' in Schools

(2011) Education Week

This article shares the high national rates of suspension and expulsion, especially for students of color. It cites National Center on Education Statistics (NCES) data that show the great majority of suspensions and expulsions were for non-criminal offenses such as coming late to class, talking back to a teacher, or violating dress codes. It also mentions an essential movement against unproven, expensive, harmful zero tolerance policies to end of the school-to-prison pipeline.

Video

(2012) Judith Browne Dianis of Advancement Project testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the School-to-Prison Pipeline

This is a video of Judith Browne Dianis, Co Director of the Advancement Project who testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the School-to-Prison Pipeline.

Safe, Drug Free and Effective Schools for ALL students: What Works!

(1998) Department of Education

This report presents findings of a project that identified and examined three communities where schools have successfully reduced discipline problems and improved learning and behavior of all students, including those with disabilities.

Zero Tolerance, High-Stakes Testing, and the School-to-Prison Pipeline

(2010) Advancement Project and FairTest

This presentation explains the similar origins and mutual reinforcement between (the pressures of) high-stakes testing and (the over-reliance on) zero tolerance policies through which schools suspend or expel students who are less engaged, disruptive, and/or expected to score below proficiency levels on academic assessments. The presentation also provides potential solutions (e.g., people who push for positive school discipline reform should push for high-stakes testing reform, and vice versa).

Test, Punish, and Push Out: How Zero Tolerance and High-Stakes Testing Funnel Youth into the School-to-Prison Pipeline

(2010) Advancement Project

This report aims to help stakeholders move beyond zero tolerance policies and high-stakes testing, explaining their mutual reinforcement contributes to hostile school environments and pushes students into the school-to-prison pipeline. It cites evidence that zero tolerance policies have not improved school safety or student behavior and provides examples in which alternative prevention and intervention strategies have been successful.

Education on Lockdown: The Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Track

(2005) Advancement Project, Padres and Jóvenes Unidos, Southwest Youth Collaborative, and Children & Family Justice Center of Northwestern University School of Law

This report aims to inspire people to discuss the negative impact of zero tolerance policies and bring about alternative methods that have decreased school violence and improved learning environments. It reviews the disparate impact on students of color; the expanding role of law enforcement in schools; provides examples of the school-to-prison pipeline in Denver, Chicago, and Palm Beach; and presents initial solutions.

Multiple Responses, Promising Results: Evidence-Based Nonpunitive Alternatives To Zero Tolerance

(2011) Child Trends

This brief reviews existing research on the implementation and effects of zero tolerance in the school setting; and it highlights rigorously evaluated, nonpunitive alternatives to zero tolerance that have shown greater promise in improving school safety and student outcomes.

Keeping Kids in School and Out of Court

(2013) New York City School-Justice Partnership Task Force

This report highlights research findings and recommendations made by the New York City School-Justice Partnership Task Force. The report describes relevant data about school-justice indicators in New York City, emerging trends in policy and practice around the country, and provides recommendations and strategies for implementation.