Since the 1960s, crime and violence have been increasing in schools. This document focuses on crime involving physical harm or the threat of physical harm to a student or staff member on school grounds or at school events. Chapter 1 reviews past trends in school violence, describes the current extent of the problem, and explores some of its causes. Effective ways of dealing with chronic problems other than gang activity are covered in chapter 2, and actions specifically aimed at established gang activity are dealt with in chapter 3. Chapter 4 describes how to prepare for and respond to unpredictable crisis situations. Finally, prevention efforts are discussed in chapter 5. Based on recommendations of experts and experiential accounts of school personnel, the most important steps in combatting school violence can be summarized as follows: (1) acknowledging existing school violence, or the possibility of its developing in the future; (2) planning ahead for all reasonable contingencies; (3) developing written policies and clearly communicating them to staff and students; (4) training staff and students in techniques for applying those policies; and (5) cooperating with the community and other agencies. The appendix lists additional information about programs cited, and the names and addresses of nine persons interviewed. (44 references) (MLF)