The study further showed that expelling or removing students from their regular schools and putting them in an alternative education program is a successful intervention model. In the alternative program, they participate in behavior counseling and strong academic services. Combining clear expectations and meaningful consequences in an effort to combat unacceptable behavior, along with the continued support of parents and school staff in providing a strong academic program, equals a successful equation for students with behavioral problems. In my capacity as an elected member of the Fairfax County School Board in Northern Virginia, I've had many conversations with parents and students, so I know that the zero-tolerance policy has brought great comfort to them. It is widely agreed that school discipline problems have a negative impact on academic achievement.
Many states report success in improving the school environment, particularly in drug and gun cases.
Between 1997 and 1999, state and local officials assumed a position of zero tolerance, passing legislation that imposed stiff legal consequences for possession of firearms on school grounds. The North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation that required school districts to develop plans and provide direction to school-level administrators. Although they acknowledge this figure is still too high, it reflects a policy that works. A zero-tolerance policy works in keeping violence off the school property, but that will not unearth the root cause of antisocial behavior. There is also the need for schools, parents, local organizations and the community as a whole to nurture their young so they feel less inclined to resort to violence.