NCJ Number
230456
Journal
Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law & Policy Volume: 16 Dated: 2009 Pages: 585-610
Date Published
2009
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This article identifies the unintended consequences of the "No Child Left Behind" strategy being implemented in schools, combined with zero tolerance policies under which schools automatically suspend or expel students for misbehavior.
Abstract
This article argues that the pressure on schools to raise standardized test scores under "No Child Left Behind," along with zero tolerance policies for student misbehavior, have increased the motivation for schools to push underperforming, troubled children out of school entirely. The children adversely affected by these policies are more likely to engage in behaviors that bring them in contact with the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. As an alternative, this article proposes a research-based strategy called "School-Wide Positive Behavior Support" (SWPBS), which the author believes will lead to safer schools and assist schools in meeting the academic goals of No Child Left Behind. SWPBS is not a program or a curriculum; rather, it is "a process for creating safer and more effective schools." SWPBS focuses on prevention by teaching positive social expectations to students and consistently and frequently acknowledging positive behavior. SWPBS provides a continuum of supportive interventions to help all students succeed academically and behaviorally. Members of the school staff are trained to use the positive approach of SWPBS so that students receive consistent rewards and redirection toward positive behavior in all school settings. Data collection is an important component of SWPBS, enabling schools to evaluate performance and make appropriate changes. The research evidence shows that schools which have implemented SWPBS have improved school climate significantly while also improving student academic performance. 112 notes