NCJ Number
109279
Journal
Urban Education Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1987) Pages: 154-171
Date Published
1987
Length
18 pages
Annotation
An analysis of the role of academic tracking in acts of school vandalism among junior high school students suggests the usefulness of revised strain theory in understanding this problem.
Abstract
Data came from the 1984-1985 school year in 119 elementary schools, 63 junior high schools, and 55 high schools located in a southern California urban area. Tracking was used least in the elementary grade schools and most in the senior high schools. The research measured tracking in terms of the percentage of a school's students who were placed in the lowest track, because the literature suggests that being placed in a low track rather than not being placed in a high track was more relevant for misconduct. Junior high schools contributed 53 percent of the total acts of vandalism and 52 percent of the total dollar value of losses, compared to 35 percent and 38 percent respectively for the senior high schools. Tracking was a better predictor than other variables, with more vandalism in schools with higher percentages of students in low-track classes. School social status was modestly but positively linked with vandalism, indicating particular stresses among low-track students from high-status families, who generally expect high achievement from their children. 22 references.