Professor Hill Walker has identified three challenges to handling disruptive student behavior: prevention, at-risk programs, and high-intensity interventions. Principals should beware administrative traps: getting tough is enough, targeting a few difficult students, seeking quick fixes, finding one powerful trick, revering outside experts, and…

This report is the third in a series presenting results from surveys on safe, disciplined, and drug-free schools. The introduction notes that the data were obtained from a survey of 739 public school superintendents. Among the highlighted results are the following: (1) nearly all public school districts were found to have written policies on…

The paper outlines guidelines for developing policy on use of nontraditional educational interventions (such as timeout, aversive stimulation, biofeedback, behavior modification, relaxation therapy, and group meetings) with behavior disordered students. A model policy statement on the use of isolation rooms is presented. Such a statement should…

Examines the procedural due process challenge to short-term suspensions. (Author)

Disciplinary violations, the violations of school rules, are rightfully censured solely by school district employees. Crimes, however, represent violations of federal, state, or local laws and concern law enforcement agencies as well as school system officials. Since the mid-1970s, there has been a refining of police-school roles; interagency…

This report compares and contrasts Federal court decisions involving student dress codes, with special emphasis on Denver area cases. Discussion covers code enforcement, subsequent court battles, relevant constitutional issues, and First Amendment and procedural and substantive due process considerations. The report includes the official…

With careful planning, guidance, and implementation by skilled educators, in-school alternative programs--particularly those that offer individual or group counseling and superior academic instruction--can result in schools more effectively meeting the discipline needs of students. (Author/KR)

Case study of a new principal who turns around an elementary school with a misbehaving student body and and apathetic staff by setting, publicizing, and consistently enforcing clear rules; documenting infractions; involving parents; encouraging student responsibility; and requiring lesson plans. (DCS)

The discipline policy at Xenia (Ohio) High School deals unequivocally with student drug and alcohol users. Chemically dependent students are forced to get help. (Author/JM)

Reports a study of the impact of a new restrictive and punitive (grade reduction) attendance policy on high school students' attendance, scholastic achievement, behavior, and extracurricular participation. Variables of student age, IQ, and sex were analyzed. The punitive attendance policy was considered effective for certain students. Guidelines…

The role of the courts in school discipline policy is discussed, with particular focus on the constitutionality of corporal punishment. (RLV)

Frames a study of seventh graders with poststructuralist resistance theory, which defines resistance as socially constructed. Situates resistance within a school's moral code and climate. Advocates replacement of rules and policies in a punishment culture with an expressive-collaborative model for the formation of ethical thinking. (Contains 26…