The United States leads the developed world in youth violence, with the highest homicide and suicide rates among young people. Exposure starts early. To reduce violence in U.S. schools, we must control handguns, abolish television violence, isolate violent students, and change the ways that juvenile offenders are punished. (MLH)

In a case involving use of physical force against a misbehaving eighth grader, a federal court judge concluded that the teacher's conduct did not violate the student's due-process rights, after applying the "shock the conscience" test. However, the case proceeded to trial, since district policy supported such force. (MLH)

Lawrence Hardy's lead article details a year of diminished expectations, highlighting teacher shortages, failing teacher competency scores, 12th graders' dismal TIMSS scores, affirmative-action setbacks, and Milwaukee voucher triumphs. Kevin Bushweller probes school violence issues. Others discuss leadership trends, school-success indicators, and…

An investigation revealed that New York City educators were helping students cheat on standardized tests. Some state education officials are easing tough standards in response to student failure and public complaints. An Ohio court rejected vouchers for Cleveland's religious schools. A study showed smaller schools are better for poor and…

The widespread use of weapons by teenagers has prompted forceful responses from school districts. Some have installed sophisticated security equipment; others increasingly are arming their security guards. (MLF)

Survey responses from 1,045 school board members show that a slight majority (51.6%) do not perceive violence as a problem in their district. Charts illustrate board members' perceptions of the relative effectiveness of various programs to control violence, and sidebars summarize demographic information about participants. (MLF)

Reports results of a mail survey on the best solutions to crime and violence in schools and presents a variety of proposals by individuals concerned with the problem. (JG)

Provides an in-depth discussion of issue of gang violence and effects on schools. In past two decades street gangs have become a problem, not just in large urban centers, but also in smaller urban areas and suburbs. Outlines seven ways to work at preventing gang activities in schools. Urges school boards to play greater role in fighting gang…

As administrators contemplate installing metal detectors, different legal issues must be considered. Five lessons learned from past litigation are listed to aid administrators in their decision. A sample policy outline concerning weapons and metal detectors is provided. (KDP)

Cleveland, Ohio, Public Schools acknowledged the negative impact of gangs on the education environment by creating a gang intervention and prevention team. Advises school districts on signs to watch for, steps staff can take, and how to tell the press. Stresses publishing and reinforcing rules in a student handbook and conducting training programs…

Summoning police officers to help investigate the report of an armed student is the prudent and safe thing for school officials to do. Police officers receive extensive training in dealing with armed subjects. School staff training should include all staff members and should provide information about where to report, how to report, and to whom.…

A recent decision by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case from Arkansas centered on a vicious letter written by an 8th-grade boy about his former girlfriend and turned over to school officials. The court ruled for the school district in expelling the student for the year, without allowing him to attend an alternative school. Argues that…

Student threats of violence should be taken seriously. Although zero-tolerance policies are gaining popularity, mental-health experts urge a more deliberative approach that explores student motives and metes out punishment on a more individualized basis. Fostering strong staff-student relationships and communication can effectively deter violence.…

Preventing high school violence takes more than security measures alone. Problem-solving approaches involve skill-building strategies that teach students conflict-resolution skills that become alternatives to the use of violence. Peace-making strategies seek to improve school climate by targeting key relationships in the school. Lists eight steps…

Discusses legal problems of a policy permitting the use of metal detectors to search students suspected of carrying concealed weapons. A wholesale search policy was challenged as a violation of students' rights, so the board adopted a selective search policy based on reasonable suspicion. (TE)