In this study, the decision making processes of two Michigan school systems are examined with respect to issues in each community, effectiveness of school leadership, and system differences. Information is based on census data, school data, and intensive interviews with key informants. (Author/WI)

Critically reviews four recent books which focus on disruptive teenagers in schools. General orientation of the books is micro- rather than macro-sociological. Reviewer suggests that some conflict in schools is unavoidable and that pervasive, severe school disruption is an index of fundamental social change. (RH)

Describes one teacher's successful efforts to free herself from a disruptive, threatening student by using the law. The Cook versus Bray case illustrates that teachers do not have to tolerate students who ride roughshod over the rights of other students or teachers when the school administration chooses not to protect them. (GR)

The authors investigated the relationship between student mobility and student performance and behavior. The authors used criterion-referenced test (CRT) and norm-referenced test (NRT) data indexes from the 1998-1999 school year. Results showed that as the mobility of students increased within the school year, their test performance on the CRT and…

Questionnaires administered to 956 public and parochial school teachers investigated classroom behavior problems, the level at which preponderance occurred, use of corporal punishment, and the attitudes teachers have taken toward these critical situations. A majority of the teachers blamed the home for the increase in discipline problems. (DS)

Presents an analysis of discipline referral data collected in an urban middle school and discusses the impact in terms of time and resources devoted to discipline at the expense of learning. The article describes a strategic plan formulated by middle school faculty and administration, as well as other student-centered techniques, in creating more…

This study was conducted to identify and validate the work-related problems of public school teachers in Florida's Prekindergarten Early Intervention Program which targets economically at-risk 3- and 4-year olds. The study was designed to answer three questions: (1) What problems are perceived to be most bothersome and occur most frequently? (2)…

Results from a diverse selection of public opinion polls, most conducted by Gallup, taken from 1954 to 1984 reveal Americans' long-term concern about discipline in public schools. Since 1969, in every year but one, discipline has been considered the biggest problem facing schools by at least a quarter of the respondents. One in four surveyed views…

Under a Congressional mandate, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is required to collect data on the frequency, seriousness, and incidence of violence in elementary and secondary schools. The NCES responded to this requirement by commissioning a survey, the Principal/School Disciplinarian Survey on School Violence, the results of…

Excerpts from two chapters in a forthcoming book, "Imaging Education: The Media and the Schools in America," show the public's remarkable constancy in values over the past 30 years. According to the polls, what Americans have persistently wanted in public schools are conservative institutions that are safe and that teach respect for…

Presents findings of a national survey intended to provide a foundation for subsequent polls and to compare teachers' attitudes toward schools with the public's. Reports opinions on a wide variety of general, political, professional, disciplinary, and academic issues in education. (MCG)

Addresses teacher classroom management when children are disruptive and exhibit uncooperative behavior. It stresses that both firmness and respect are necessary. Students should be shown that clear and consistent consequences exist for crossing the line, and teachers should not explain, cajole, lecture, or threaten. (GR)

The Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP), created by the Texas Legislature in 2003, was based on the assumption that the use of technology in Texas public schools could be achieved more effectively by "immersing" schools in technology rather than by introducing technology resources, such as hardware, software, digital content, and educator…

In recent years, Seminole County Public Schools in Florida, adopted new guidelines for the processing of student expulsions. This manual was designed to clarify the processes associated with student expulsion in secondary schools in Seminole County. It describes the protocols, procedures, and paperwork needed to comply with the school board's…

This revised manual presents updated guidelines and regulations regarding student suspensions in New York City public schools. The manual is divided into four main sections: principal's suspension; superintendent's suspension; search and seizure; and suspension of special education students. The manual is specifically designed to assist the…