Outline for Research Paper on Zero Tolerance Policies
I. Introduction:
1. Hook: An example of zero tolerance policies gone wrong, prompting a question about whether or not zero tolerance policies are effective and just.
2. Thesis: Zero tolerance policies have certain aspects which protect the lives of students, but the effectiveness of some of their integration into schools is questionable. This paper will argue that portions of zero tolerance policies' protection to students can still be maintained without the repercussions and harshness of other aspects of the policies.
3. Implications: Do zero tolerance policies really lower the crime rate in schools as opposed to non-policy schools? Are zero tolerance policies entirely just regarding their choice of targeting former badly-behaving students or choice ethnicities? What rights can changed policies provide for students, parents, and educators to make the right decision regarding punishment?
II. A Solution for School Crime Emerges
*An explanation of what disciplines were used previous to zero tolerance, and why zero tolerance was initially seen as a good idea.
*An example talking about the Columbine shooting which prompted the creation of zero tolerance policies.
*A basic description regarding what zero tolerance policies are and what they do in schools. Other information included will be where they are instituted (how many schools in the US).
III. Kids Will Be Kids: Students and Deviance
The Cold Facts About Crime and Kids
*A brief paragraph explaining the need for discipline and how children will commit crimes under all circumstances (the need for a policy)
Does Sparing the Rod Spoil the Child?
*Reveal the personal opinions of what zero tolerance proponents say about the crime rates in schools with zero tolerance policies by presenting an informal opinion (blog) and a formal opinion (academic)
*Compare these opinions with the actual statistical amount of safety in schools with and without these policies and instituting the first foundation against policies' completely appropriate use in schools.
*Source: Billitteri, Thomas J. "Discipline in Schools: Are Zero-Tolerance Policies Fair?" CQ Researcher 18 (2008).
IV. Discipline Which is Not Colorblind
*Transitioning into the next paragraph by further questioning the validity of the policies by revealing not only what the policies don't do (compared to schools without them), but what damages they do present to children
*Analyze and reveal those in authority who control the zero tolerance policies
*Discuss examples of prejudice and stigmas of color and gender from policies, and discuss extreme examples of zero tolerance gone wrong
*End portion of paper by reiterating the faultiness of such authority figures controlling the discipline
*Source: Skiba, Russ, and Reece Peterson. "The Dark Side of Zero Tolerance: Can Punishment Lead to Safer Schools?" Kappan Magazine (1999): 1-11. The Professional Association in Education.
V. Hope for a Fair Future of Policies
*Reveal parents, educators', and students' frustration briefly and provide a hopeful intro into the solution
*Provide a solution of more parental and student involvement in discipline rather than relying solely on those controlling the policies
*Summarize and re-cap the arguments and the final solution to them.
Larger Questions:
*What do parents say, as opposed to the opinion of academic sources? What counter-arguments would zero tolerance proponents use to combat those provided against it? Have there been any positive examples of zero tolerance policies succeeding?
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