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VIOLENCE IN THE SCHOOLS: HOW TO PROACTIVELY PREVENT AND DEFUSE IT

NCJ Number
143133
Author(s)
J L Curcio; P F First
Date Published
1993
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This booklet first explores the wide range of violence that is occurring in schools and then addresses student-to- student violence, student-to-teacher violence, and teacher- to-student violence, along with the overtones of racial and ethnic conflict.
Abstract
The chapter on student-to-student violence notes some of the roots of violence; namely, neglect, dysfunctional families, medical problems, and societal devaluation and exploitation of children. A listing of how students harm each other is followed by descriptions of six building blocks to prevent student-to-student violence. These are a shared system of beliefs and values, a vision of respect, explicit policies, a holistic plan of staff development, district statements of policy, and the use of learned strategies. The chapter on student-to-teacher violence suggests what can be done. Steps include teacher training in conflict resolution, policies and legislation that protect school employees, creation of a school culture and sense of community, the development of an emergency plan, and the taking of reasonable precautions to protect school staff. When students do assault teachers, the authors recommend pursuing every legal means possible against the assailant, so as to cause the attacker to face the consequences of violent behavior while providing the victim full support. A chapter on teacher-to-student violence examines how school employees violate students. Remaining chapters provide strategies for preventing various types of conflict and violence within schools and suggest steps to take when a crisis happens. A 20-item annotated bibliography and 24 references