Many politicians, policy makers, and citizens tend to ignore both the value of prevention and the voluminous research disproving the efficacy of punishment. This study offers a review of historical responses to school violence and discipline and offers some suggestions in these areas. After describing the American penchant for punitive correction, a brief overview of school violence and public policy toward discipline is given. It is argued that, in spite of sensational stories, schools continue to be one of the safer places for children. Next, the causes and cures of misbehavior and the complexity of behavior are explored. Solutions to misbehavior are carefully considered, which include an outline of the Ecological Problem-Solving Matrix, ideas on teacher variance, using a process approach, and insights on emotional maltreatment and sexual harassment. Pupil personnel workers are in a unique position to caution against hasty, simple, solution-driven policies and techniques used to deal with misbehavior, especially when these policies are not based on adequate social science research. Prevention of misbehavior should include clear guidelines and educational programs which sensitize students and faculty to causes and consequences of problem behavior. (Contains 58 references.) (RJM)