Data Don’t Lie: Erasing Zero Tolerance Adds Graduates, Lowers Crime Rate [JJE.org]

Samantha Sangenito 11/11/1612:00 PM

When we began our journey in 2003 to dismantle our zero tolerance disciplinary system in our schools, an interesting thing happened along the way.

The crime rates went down, but not until we changed the way we disciplined kids in school.

I am not sure how many folks similarly situated in juvenile justice understand that how we treat kids in our schools is one of the most essential factors in reducing crime among juveniles, and later in reducing crime among the adult population.

As go kids, so go adults.

Our graduation rates were at an abysmal 58 percent when we embarked on our journey. Since creating our school-justice partnership program, our rates have increased every single year. This significant hike in graduation rates parallels a significant decrease in school arrests and suspensions.

[For more of this story, written by Steven Teske, go to http://jjie.org/data-dont-lie-...s-crime-rate/342698/]

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Robert OlcottMember

Looks like Georgia Juvenile Judge Steven Teske, in the picture. His 12/8/2015 JJIE article: "States Should Mandate School-Justice Partnerships to End Violence Against Our Children" really impressed me.

11/12/1611:47 AM

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