NCJ Number
73157
Date Published
1979
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes a 1-day 'summit meeting' in which 33 Oregon school officials, government officals, and criminal justice personnel discussed discipline problems among school age youth, with emphasis on violence and vandalism.
Abstract
Participants tried to identify the extent of the problem, the contributing factors, effective programs and plans to deal with the problem, and a possible action plan. They agreed that the problem of youth discipline is not the sole responsibility of any one group or system within society but must be addressed by society as a whole. Among the meeting's 22 recommendations was that more information should be gathered about incidents of violence to determine the relationship between mainstreaming handicapped children and violence and the relationship of property offenses to offenses against persons. In addition, schools should provide training in parenting skills to both parents and students. School staff members should be better trained to deal with student behavior and stress; they should also be aware of their rights and available courses of action. Moreover, alternative educational programs should be provided for children who do not function well in traditional school settings, with interagency cooperation and proactive efforts needed. Texts of the meeting's opening and concluding remarks and of each discussion group's findings are included. Appendixes present findings on violence from an Oregon Education Association Survey, a statement from a National Parent Teacher Association official, and a resolution adopted by the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.