So can we be done with Zero-Tolerance Policies Yet?
Justin Bathon on Monday, October 12, 2009 at 10:47AM The camping knife, fork and spoon suspension of a 6 year old for violating the school's zero-tolerance policy is making the rounds this morning from the NY Times. I am not even going to comment on that story, because it is just the latest in a long line of stupid discipline from schools under zero-tolerance policies.
But, public opinion now seems firmly entrenched against all these ridiculous suspensions, yet we keep zero-tolerance policies on the books? Why? Just the CYA reason in case, God-forbid, a serious school violence incident happens at a school in your state? I can't really think of any other reason for legislators to support retention of these policies. And, if that is the only reason, then perhaps it is time return to sane school disciplinary policies.
Update: See Rich H.'s additional facts in his comment - seems like all the of facts might not have been made clear in the story.
Reader Comments (3)
Justin:
I think this story may look very different in a couple weeks.
I don't think the reporter got or clearly articulated all the facts, and the parents may have gotten politicians involved way too soon.
I'd appreciate someone showing me otherwise. But, reading through the policy (http://www.christina.k12.de.us/CodeOfConduct/0910/pdf/EN.pdf) I can't tell how they concluded that 45 days was mandatory. If the blade is less than 3 inches, it's a "dangerous instrument." If over 3 inches, it's a "weapon/deadly weapon." In both cases, the required action is 5 day out of school suspension, which may be extended pending determination of an alternative placement. The only mention of 45 days is in a case involving a student with a disability. In that case, the district "may remove a student with a disability to an interim alternative setting for up to 45 days." It's permissive, not mandatory.
According to www.helpzachary.com, the school has suspended him "pending" the district hearing. The NYTimes article says that he "now faces 45 days in the district’s reform school."
I'd guess that he has been suspended pending the hearing, for up to 45 days, because he has an IEP.
That's good information Rich. Thanks for adding that. I am going to point people to your comment in the post.
The N.Y. Times had a follow-up article today. It appears the school board is planning to revise its zero tolerance policies in relation to students in kindergarten and first grade. For a link to the story, see http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/education/14discipline.html?_r=1&hpw.
According to the story, the board will also lift the suspension of the student and remove any mention of the incident from his permanent record.