NCJ Number
19601
Date Published
1974
Length
34 pages
Annotation
THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT LACK OF STUDENT REPRESENTATION AND PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING, POOR INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, AND WEAK LEADERSHIP ARE MAJOR CAUSES OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE; SEVERAL REMEDIES ARE SUGGESTED.
Abstract
OVERVIEW OF THE EXTENT OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE IS FIRST PROVIDED. AFTER DISCUSSING THE THREE PRINCIPAL CAUSES OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE - GOVERNANCE, INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, AND LEADERSHIP - SEVERAL IMMEDIATE AND SHORT-TERM REMEDIES ARE SUGGESTED. AMONG THESE ARE USE OF SECURITY GUARDS, INSTALLATION OF ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS, AND STRENGTHENING OF TRESPASS LAWS. OTHER, MORE LONG-RANGE METHODS WHICH DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE CAUSES OF VIOLENCE ARE ALSO SUGGESTED. THESE INCLUDE INCREASING THE STUDENT ROLE IN DECISION-MAKING, CREATING A MORE HUMANISTIC ENVIRONMENT IN THE SCHOOLS, DECREASING CLASS SIZE, MORE STUDENT-TEACHER INTERACTION, HALTING REPRESSIVE DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES, INCREASED RESPONSIVENESS TO THE NEEDS OF FACULTY AND STUDENTS, AND USE OF CONFLICT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES.