Unsupported fears of youth violence in schools has led to an expansion of school-based policing and zero tolerance discipline. The historical reality is that America's public schools are very safe, even when located in high crime neighborhoods. Yet, school discipline is becoming increasingly punitive, moving from the schoolhouse to the courthouse.…

Texas education's tradition of local school board autonomy is rapidly vanishing as the state takes tight control of public education, with reforms in the areas of curriculum, school management, teachers, school finance, and administration. The implementation of state mandates will now be the primary function of school boards. (DCS)