Voices From "The Front": How Student Violence is Changing the Experience of School Leaders

• NCJ Number: 222052
• Journal: Journal of School Violence Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: 2008 Pages: 87-103
• Author(s): Charles R. McAdams III; Victoria A. Foster
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the increase in proactive youth aggression as experienced by school leaders and the impact, causes, and possible solutions to the problem.

Abstract

From participants in the study, it is concluded that the impact of the current trend toward proactive youth aggression in schools is taking a considerable toll on the way that leaders view their jobs, their competence, and their students. The increasing need to maintain discipline and control has begun to overshadow the creative and visionary opportunities that initially attracted them to their positions of educational leadership. Schools of education and school districts are now obliged to prepare emerging administrators, teachers, and other school professionals for the reality of encountering such students. Educational systems with an informed and supportive philosophy are more likely to recognize the difficulties in predicting and preventing violence. These specific policies and procedures should provide the formal training, professional collaboration, supervision, and support resources needed to implement violence prevention and intervention initiatives effectively and safely. What is most revealing in this study is the extraordinary level of commitment exhibited by these principals and assistant principals. Future research into the impact of student violence upon education professionals may offer new strategies for preparation, retention, and professional support. According to responses from a national survey of school administrators, the frequency of proactive aggression has doubled among middle and high school students and nearly tripled at the elementary school levels in the past 20 years. This study reported findings from an inquiry into the impact of increasing proactive aggression in schools as experienced by school leaders and presented views of frontline school leaders on the impact, causes, and potential solutions. Tables, references