Recent research on questions relating to discipline and students at the middle-grade level offers new ideas on student needs, school environments, and disciplining techniques. A review of the literature yields the following related points: (1) while the early adolescent years are particularly vulnerable to disruption, schools can create…

Positive alternatives to disciplinary exclusion of behaviorally disordered children and youth are examined. Chapter 1 defines disciplinary exclusion and reviews its legal status. Chapter 2 describes common exclusionary practices (in-school suspension, continuous suspension, shortened school day, homebound instruction, alternative school placement,…

Both educators and the public are becoming increasingly alarmed by the magnitude of school discipline problems. Surveys of secondary schools reveal increasing incidences of rioting, arson, violence, and property damage. The increase of discipline problems has been linked to the influence of college disruptions, violence on television, the civil…

The article reviews and synthesizes judicial rulings related to corporal punishment, behavior management strategies, suspension and expulsion, and residential placement. Recent court decisions are discussed; issues related to behaviorally disordered students' rights are examined; and recommendations for practice are presented. (Author/JW)

Notes the harm caused by exaggerated reports of violence in schools, clarifies the distinction between violence and discipline problems, provides a perspective on the actual extent of these problems, describes factors encouraging good school discipline, and suggests reasonable approaches for governments and schools to take. (PGD)

A study assessed the status of discipline and corporal punishment in Indiana's public junior high and high schools. Information is reported concerning the formation of discipline policy, methods of informing students of rules, school policy on various discipline problems, and the use of corporal punishment. (PP)

Reviews the National Institute of Education's 1978 study of school crime. Offers several social trends as possible causes for recent increases in school crime. Suggests methods for reducing violence in the schools. (BE)

Notes the importance of evaluation as an element of effective student affairs program planning and administration. Defines evaluation, assessment and research. Discusses whom to evaluate, and how to properly evaluate them. Provides examples of evaluation efforts. (KW)

Many colleges have established substance-free residence halls as one strategy for coping with the problem of binge drinking. The paper presents guidelines for ensuring that the substance-free housing succeeds, including starting small, involving students in design and development, keeping the area separate, considering special programming, and…

Any restrictions on student dress must have a legitimate educational rationale. Standards of attire for school employees are also permissible. A dress-code policy that calls for reasonable restrictions and is enforced with common sense can create a better school environment. Restrictive measures can lead to costly lawsuits. Cites advantages of…

Existing policies of local education agencies in Virginia concerning suspension and expulsion of handicapped students were evaluated in light of 6 recommended components. Responses of 78 special education directors to a questionnaire were synthesized with the policy information to develop a model procedure reflecting current trends in disciplining…

The article discusses the Supreme Court's ruling in Doe v. Honig that emotionally handicapped students could not be expelled pending the outcome of a parental appeal. Among implications noted are the need for greater prevention efforts in the area of providing appropriate programs and services for handicapped students. (JW)

Examines challenges in implementing the disciplinary provisions of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act amendments, obstacles to implementing the law's functional-assessment provision, and ways that schools might overcome these obstacles. Encourages schools to include disciplinary practices in a larger program of positive academic…

This article discusses factors related to antisocial behavior in school and provides the following suggestions for prevention of antisocial behavior and dropouts: reduce punitive methods of control, provide clear rules, assure support for educators, minimize academic failure experiences, teach social skills, use appropriate behavior management…

In their efforts to reduce school violence and student misbehavior, too often schools and school authorities contribute to the potential for violence by sanctioning or ignoring practices that victimize children. Reviews concerns pertaining to this issue. Argues that school psychologists should become more involved in prevention programs and in the…