Although metal detectors, guards, and law enforcement officers are intended to protect students and maintain a safe educational environment, the actual effectiveness of such measures is unclear, especially when it comes to protecting Black students. Charles Bell interviewed Black students from urban and suburban schools across Michigan and learned…

A school cannot be "good" unless it is good for all students -- including those with disabilities. In the 2018-19 school year, 14% of students in U.S. public schools received special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, yet effective inclusion of students with disabilities is too often an…

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.…

The social literacy approach attempts to determine the systemic causes of discipline problems. (IRT)

In the institutionalized, archaic schools of today there is no peace and order, nor are students being given love and attention as individuals. The atmosphere in huge school plants is a cross between a factory and a prison, and is massively inhumane. (Author/IRT)

Although schools are places for learning and growth, they are also places where students engage in alcohol and drug use. This study showed that most teachers were aware of drugs in their schools, but did not regard drug use as an interference in their own classrooms. Many teachers were knowledgeable about their schools' drug policy, but did not…

Describes an alternative, relaxed, discipline system with four simple rules: (1) use mild consequences initially, (2) enforce rules without anger, (3) track each student infraction, and (4) reward frequently but unpredictably. (MD)

A civil engineer describes his first day as a substitute teacher. Despite detailed lesson plans and good intentions, maintaining an orderly class environment is far from a "piece of cake." Recess duty is an ordeal, and lunch in the shabby teacher's lounge is uninspiring. The biggest benefit is appreciation of what constitutes a full-time teacher's…

Explains proper and improper interpretations of the author's assertive discipline program. Teachers need to communicate clear rules for the classroom, teach students how to follow them, employ positive reinforcement, and use firm and consistent negative consequences for rule-breakers as a last resort. Includes five references. (MLH)

Five characteristics of schools that effectively teach self-discipline are discussed in this article. These schools do not rely on power or punitive models to enforce discipline but share decision making and maintain a positive school climate. (MD)

The most important finding of the new Coleman report is that, after family background is taken into account, there remains significant variation in student achievement, which can be related to differing educational policies. (Author/WD)

Rather than shielding children from stress, parents and teachers should assist them in developing coping mechanisms that will enable them to adjust to the realities of life. This article offers guidelines for achieving that goal. (Author/WD)

The Peer Leadership Program decreased student absences, the dropout rate, physical attacks, and vandalism costs, and increased student involvement. (Author/IRT)

Reviews research on classroom management, focusing on behavior modification, group management, teacher effects, management training, and planning. Five types of management skills and six principles for effective classroom organization identified by researchers are suggested for application by teachers. (PGD)

Herbert L. Foster has written a new book about teaching black youngsters in the inner city. A Kappan interviewer extracts some of his success secrets, among them the rules for life-or-death contests. (Editor)