Imposed legalistic school disciplinary codes are ineffectual and undemocratic. The focus and form of legalization in school discipline systems must shift to rule formation processes. The importance of evaluating impediments to participation is discussed. (BJV)

The overrepresentation of ethnic minority students, particularly African American males, in the exclusionary discipline consequences of suspension and expulsion has been consistently documented during the past three decades. Children of poverty and those with academic problems are also overrepresented in such discipline consequences. Sadly, a…

Describes the types of violence found in school and classroom contexts and recommends guidelines to form proactive and reactive strategies for teachers and administrators. Demonstrates the language for rules to establish order and deter violence and to use with students exhibiting violent behavior. (FMW)