Policy makers continue to seek answers in addressing problem behaviors in schools. Zero tolerance in schools has been used widely across the nation yet educators have encountered many challenges with students who have been suspended for short or long periods. Research studies have found that the strategies used to address problem behaviors are not sufficient and many perspectives have been given on the topic. There has however, been a lack of understanding how students perceive the factors affecting their behaviors. The problem is that, in not understanding students' perspectives on the issue, politicians will continue to make decisions without acknowledging the need to explore students' views. A grounded theory case study will be conducted to explore how students perceive the school environment and protective and risk factors to affect their behaviors. The participants will be 6th to 8th grade students and teachers coming from a Northeastern district middle school in New York and teachers from other schools. The students will be observed and interviewed while teachers will be surveyed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]