| In 1994, the United States mandated that public schools must institute a zero tolerance policy, outlawing guns on public school campuses. Since that time, zero tolerance policies have been modified to include other unwanted student behaviors and are being used as one method of creating and maintaining safe and secure public school environments. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the effect zero tolerance policies are having at one medium sized southwestern school district specifically, and the State of Arkansas as a whole.;Qualitative research methods were used to collect data for this study, which included interviews, observations, written documents and a statewide survey. The systems theory is the theoretical orientation implemented in the research design. The purpose for interviews, observations, written documents, and the state survey were to obtain triangulated data, which could be used to provide a holistic view of the effect zero tolerance policies are having on public schools.;The research data concludes that zero tolerance policies are effectively doing what they were designed to do---create and maintain safe and secure school environments for the research district and the other public school districts of Arkansas. It was also concluded that zero tolerance policies are not affecting student dropout and retention rates in the state, and zero tolerance policies are not being used by administrators as a method by which to push undesirable or special needs students out of the public schools of Arkansas.;However, it has been recommended that zero tolerance policies could have some flexibility (letting the punishment fit the crime) triggered by student intent, grade level, and discipline behavior records. It would also be more reasonable that zero tolerance be used for serious offenses only. Plus, students expelled under zero tolerance could be given an opportunity to continue their education in a school sponsored alternative education setting away from the general student population. Finally, it seems reasonable that psychological examiners and psychologists could be used for regular students in the lower grades, for the purpose of detection, diagnosis and treatment of students who exhibit early signs of behavioral problems. |
