NCJ Number
128472
Journal
School Safety Dated: (Winter 1991) Pages: 4-7
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article considers the extent of student misbehavior in schools, trends in student misbehavior, disciplinary actions taken and their fairness, and promising strategies to help schools reduce discipline problems and school crime.
Abstract
Data for this study were drawn from a 1985 national survey of secondary school principals, public opinion polls, National Crime Surveys, and official school statistics. Data do not permit a firm conclusion on current levels of student misconduct nationwide, but the public, teachers, and students express serious concern and even fear regarding student misbehavior, particularly in urban schools. There is evidence, however, that overall school crime and misconduct, including substance abuse at school, is improving; however, the recent increase in assaults and possession of knives, explosives, guns, and other weapons in California schools could represent a more widespread increase in these serious offenses. Common school disciplinary actions range from teacher reprimands or detention to expulsion or referral to an alternative school. Promising strategies include classroom management teacher training packages; strategies to improve a school's problemsolving, planning, and internal communication; the involvement of parents and students in resolving student misconduct problems; profiling of school incidents; school action teams; and coordination between education and criminal justice professionals. Strategies should be comprehensive, administered fairly, and evaluated for effectiveness. 15 references