NCJ Number
80143
Date Published
1978
Length
143 pages
Annotation
Students who had been suspended from five high schools in the Phoenix, Ariz., school system were studied to determine the relationship between student characteristics and the type of offense committed.
Abstract
The five student characteristics studied were sex, ethnic makeup, grade level, academic performance, and attendance patterns. The offenses selected were fighting, drug use, possession of dangerous weapons, assaults, and thefts. Data were gathered for the school years 1974-75, 1975-76, and 1976-77. Males committed more offenses than females. Mexican American students and black/Oriental students tended to be involved in fighting more than other groups, while the American Indian/white ethnic group committed more drug offenses than expected in three of the schools and in the combined school population. Freshman and sophomore students tended to commit more offenses, as did those with lower grade point averages. Students' attendance patterns were not correlated with specific offenses, but students who missed between zero and 50 class periods committed most of the offenses in each category. Further research should focus on the reasons for more fighting among particular ethnic groups, the reasons for the involvement of underclassmen in a disproportionate number of offenses, and program needs for students in the study who had low grade point averages. These students' involvement in extracurricular activities should also be explored. Tables, 56 references, and appendixes presenting forms and additional study data are provided.