NCJ Number
74839
Date Published
1978
Length
61 pages
Annotation
This report presents a study into the nature and extent of violence in the New Jersey public schools, including findings and recommendations.
Abstract
A mailed questionnarie elicited 1,387 responses from 56 percent of the schools' principals. The first section of the questionnaire sought an indepth profile of the reporting school concerning enrollment, socioeconomic status, community type, and other factors. Data were also sought on recordkeeping practices for reports of violent acts, and judgments about the change in the number of violent acts over the last 2 years. The second section asked about the extent and site of reported violence in the categories of sex offenses, robbery, assault, weapons possession, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse. Also requested was an estimate of suspected or unreported violence. The data were analyzed in terms of frequencies, means, and percent. Specific findings are presented and analyzed according to grade plan and school characteristics variables. The study found that the extent of violence reported in the New Jersey public schools during the survey period increased from an average of 4 incidents per year per elementary school to 13 per middle/junior high school, to 22 per year per secondary school. Recommendations include the suggestion that boards of education with secondary schools establish as a high priority an investigation and promulgation of means to combat violence in their schools. Programs recommended by responding principals to deter violence were classified into four categories: community, faculty, students, and action. Community programs include policy-community programs and school meetings with parents, while faculty programs involve monitoring the school's lunch and play areas and periodic checks of lavatories. Students' programs include the requirement that all female students travel in pairs and establishment of student orientation and student safety patrols. Action programs include the establishment of firm discipline rules and a one-half hour lunch period to reduce free time. Tables and appended materials are supplied. (Author/ERIC abstract modified)