An effective program to cope with student misbehavior should include a range of sanctions. Proposes that the juvenile justice system and school districts work together to develop an intermediate punishment of coerced community service for serious disciplinary infractions. (MLF)

A comprehensive safety program includes use of consent forms and safety tests, posting and enforcement of safety rules, inspections, established emergency procedures, documentation of safety education, well-maintained equipment, adequate supervision, and modeling of safe behavior and proper attitudes. (SK)

Because potentially hazardous noises abound in schools, especially in technical areas, this article describes ways to identify problems and help students and employees protect their hearing. Also looks at legislated requirements for blood-borne pathogens, laboratory safety, hazardous waste disposal, personal protective equipment, and other areas.…

Proposes that the skill of counselors is what is most needed to provide an effective school violence prevention program. Argues that the use of choice theory is the only way to remove external controls from the classroom and to create environments in which students both succeed and enjoy school. (GCP)

This article introduces a special issue focusing on antisocial behavior in schools. It summarizes following articles on the prevention of violence and other antisocial behavior and concludes schools need to replace shortsighted, reactive approaches to student discipline with approaches that address the causes of antisocial behavior. (Contains…

Most courts have flexibly interpreted the constitutional requirement of procedural and substantive due process in favor of zero-tolerance expulsion decisions. While being sensitive to community intolerance for threats to school safety (student possession of guns or drugs), school leaders should modulate development and enforcement of expulsion…

In this article we consider how broad shifts in social relations over the past 30 years have given rise to new social control regimes in US public schools. We argue that the contemporary mechanisms of control engendered by mass incarceration and post-industrialization have re-shaped school discipline. To illustrate contemporary discipline in the…

In the development of a school safety program, several steps are important: (1) a strong board of education policy statement; (2) the appointment of a qualified safety professional to implement and coordinate board policy; (3) an accident reporting system; (4) a school safety committee; and (5) a school safety handbook. (GC)

This article first delineates observations and recommendations of an interdisciplinary group that addressed the issue of school aggression and violence; and then presents recommendations for developing and implementing a systematic response to aggression and violence in schools. Also provided is a list of resources on effective practices in…

Describes problems of maintaining discipline and security at Jamaica High School in Queens, New York. Argues that court decisions and school regulations have allowed minority of aggressive and disruptive students to destabilize the learning environment. (PKP)

An interview with two experts on violence, bullying, and sexual harassment in schools notes the increased attention given to bullying, the recognition of peer sexual harassment, a definition of bullying, the close relationship between sexual harassment and bullying, gender differences in bullying, problems with school "zero tolerance" policies, a…

Presented is a case in which a child was poisoned on school grounds by organophosphates used to control aphids. Details of the case and the role parents can play in the safety of pesticide use at schools are discussed. (CW)

Interview discusses the formation of a school-based, interagency, mental health team in the Anne Arundel County Public School System in Maryland. Highlights the work of the school counselor within the group, who has assumed a leadership role within the school building for forming collaborative relationships with families and community agencies.…

Offers a retrospective look into the insight of people who were close to the Columbine tragedy and discusses what interventions have since been instituted at Columbine High School. Writes that school counselors have had to reconceptualize their comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling programs to include the mental health needs of…

Presents evidence that allowing time for recess or playground activities can yield immediate and long-term benefits for children. Maintains that breaks between cognitive tasks support learning and that play adds to educational quality. Concludes that administrators, teachers, and parents should collaborate to create an environment that promotes…