NCJ Number
93633
Date Published
1983
Length
47 pages
Annotation
The Safe Schools Commission was formed in December 1982 to learn the nature and extent of the problem of violence in Boston's public schools. Problems now consist primarily of classroom disruptions, theft, vandalism, possession of weapons and drugs, disorder on some buses, and one-on-one physical injuries.
Abstract
Although overt interracial violence has diminished somewhat since the 1970's, interracial tension is still substantial enough to require the Boston population to continue to address the problem of racism in and around its schools. There has not been a clear commitment to make the prevention of disorder and the handling of discipline an integral, important part of the educational program. The school system experiences difficulties coping with a small minority of students who are repeatedly suspended for interfering with the learning the majority of students. There are exceptions, yet maximum use is not made of supportive and remedial services, both within the system and from human service agencies, to deal preventively with problems in school and at home that block learning and lead to disruptive conduct. The report reviews Commission recommendations in the areas of discipline, protection, and prevention and support. An appendix includes a 13-item bibliography and a list of people who contributed statements.