This paper presents a theoretical and historical treatment of juvenile violence in the United States, examines some current data on juvenile violence in and out of schools, and discusses the implications for educational leadership policy decisions. Sociological and social-psychological theories have tried to explain the intensifying violent…

Provides an overview of this special issue that examines the implementation of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) Initiative in seven local communities. An overview of the SS/HS Initiative is provided. Critical lessons learned from the seven sites are discussed with a focus on the special role that school psychologists can play in…

The Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative in Pinellas County, FL, emerged as a part of a broader local effort to implement creative educational and mental health programs to support children and families. Describes Pinellas County's plan, and highlights the instrumental roles played by school psychologists, which included grant writing, program…

Examines the structure of perceived school climate and the relationship of climate dimensions to adaptation of students who attend middle-grade-level schools. The climate scales exhibited a stable dimensional structure, high levels of internal consistency, and moderate levels of stability. Ratings of multiple climate dimensions were associated…

Parents are demanding greater inclusion in issues relating to campus safety and security. This article examines the historical evolution of relations between parents, students, and universities, discussing two pieces of key legislation and describing strategies to optimize common interrelationships between parents and institutions. (Contains 14…

Reviews the history of violence in schools, focusing on types and frequencies of violence and the factors that are related to school-based violence. Presents strategies that teachers and other school staff can use to decrease the likelihood of violence. (SLD)

Many schools and educational programs are successfully responding to the problem of student violence. This article explores a variety of techniques that include school or program-wide initiatives, partnerships, or collaborations with outside agencies; partnerships with families; and classroom curricula that help youth learn to resolve conflicts…

Describes a comprehensive school-based conflict-resolution approach designed by two school-based social workers and implemented in an "alternative" urban high school over a two-year period. Results indicate that a more cooperative atmosphere developed in the school as a result of the program and that the program was effective in reducing both…

Focuses on a critical redefinition of the future school counselor as leader in promoting educational reform and meeting national and state educational objectives inclusive of creating healthy, safe school environments. Proposes that school counselors should play a major role in facilitating and leading interagency and interdisciplinary…

School psychologists were surveyed regarding the following aspects of crisis intervention: university preparation, continuing professional development, and current involvement with school crisis plans. Of those receiving university training, 58% believed they were minimally or not at all prepared to deal with school crises. Suicide, violence, and…

Discussion of school violence and student misbehavior reviews research showing that violent and unsafe student behaviors are the outcome of a predictable chain of events that begins with academic failure. The paper urges a greater emphasis on effective academic instruction in any efforts to prevent school violence and improve school safety.…

Evaluates the violence prevention effects of The Peacemakers Program , a school-based intervention. The program includes a primary prevention component delivered by teachers and a remedial component implemented by school psychologists and counselors. Results reveal significant, positive program effects on six of the seven variables assessed,…

Despite the controversies that it has created in school districts throughout the country, zero tolerance continues to be a widely used response to school disruption and violence. This paper explores the history, philosophy, and effectiveness of zero-tolerance school disciplinary strategies. Growing out of Reagan-Bush-era drug-enforcement policy,…

This paper discusses the adoption of mandatory and voluntary uniform policies in school systems across the United States. Mandatory policies have been adopted by 6 of the nations largest districts--Birmingham, Chicago, Dayton, Long Beach, San Antonio, and Oakland. Approximately 35 other districts have voluntary policies, and countless others are…

Describes the Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) Initiative currently underway in the Tyrone Area School District. The goals of the SS/HS Initiative involve reducing risk and building competencies for students and their families through integration of law enforcement and mental health into school-based prevention efforts. Program evaluation is…