Presents two cases of on-campus student injuries caused by other students; school administrators' responses to the cases can help them to evaluate their understanding of liability for school security. School safety is in a state of flux, and courts are reflecting a change in public perception of the duty that schools owe students. (MD)

Although school tragedies are not totally preventable, they will be far more preventable if schools develop a written school safety plan. Components should include legally mandated safety drills, regularly scheduled school safety audits and evaluations, a student apparel policy, a schoolwide discipline plan, and a closed campus. (MLH)

Disasters and emergencies can and do occur in schools. Presented here are 10 steps principals can follow in developing a formal emergency preparedness plan that is up-to-date and operable. (MD)

Reviews contents of "Safe Schools: A Handbook for Practitioners" (1994), produced by NASSP and Dyncorp. Part one introduces the first comprehensive methodology for identifying a school's security problems, evaluating potential solutions, and creating an implementation plan. The second part includes the tools, worksheets, and surveys needed to…

The School Discipline Climate Survey provides information about current levels of staff expectation and satisfaction for each of 13 subscales (attendance policies, discipline policies, staff training, communication, efficiency, parent support, due process/consistency, safe environment, discipline teamwork, strategic planning, penalties,…

Proponents of school uniforms claim many beneficial advantages: improved academic performance, student safety, discipline, and school morale. Opponents say uniform policies violate the First Amendment and will not dramatically improve student performance. School leaders must juggle two conflicting ideals of justice: a student's right to freedom of…

To protect schools against violent intruders, principals are advised to reexamine plant security, control and monitor school access, upgrade supervision quality during outside activities, develop neighbors' security awareness, keep accurate records of unusual occurrences, work with local law enforcement, investigate private security services, seek…

In peer mediation, students can resolve conflicts and orchestrate their own solutions. According to the National Association for Mediation in Education, school-based mediation teaches students how to deal with anger constructively, communicate feelings without using violence and abusive language, think creatively about alternative solutions, and…

Although classes to create student self-esteem and antigang programs are gaining in popularity, most school districts have not used available technology to help create safer campuses. Increased availability of telephones and two-way radios would enhance school security, along with incorporation of newer technologies such as computers, digitized…

Educators concerned about school safety have resorted to searching students, their lockers, and their possessions. These searches have led to litigation over whether the Fourth Amendment's prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizures applies to public schools. Although courts have upheld reasonable searches, administrators should carefully…

Individuals wishing to establish a legal negligence claim against a principal must first present evidence of recognizable duty (adequate supervision); breach of duty; proximate cause; and injury. Wise principals schedule periodic meetings to review safety measures, focus on vulnerable areas, designate an emergency stand-in, review equipment and…

Campus supervisors can be an integral part of a high school support staff, despite their cost. By carefully selecting good campus supervisors, districts can provide safer, cleaner, and more pleasant learning environments. (TE)

Changes signaling more effective public education that taxpayers have not yet perceived include targeting of resources to deficient schools, summer remedial programs and tougher student promotion policies, principal training programs, more efficient use of funds, improved student achievement, new regulations reducing school violence, and increased…

Reports on a collaborative project on school violence and safety conducted for a partnership that serves 13 school districts in two New York counties. Focus groups collected information on the schools from school stakeholders. Recommendations for more effective channels of communication with the entire educational community are included. Provides…

School administrators are challenged to maintain the delicate balance between protecting individuals' rights and ensuring the general welfare by maintaining a safe, secure learning environment. Legal principles and precedents governing restrictions on student appearance, privacy and procedural rights, harassment and hate crimes, and suicide are…