The study uses a descriptive methodology to obtain relevant information; a review of the literature is the principal means of collecting data. For this research, "school disturbance" is defined as "the action of any individual willfully or unnecessarily to interfere with or disturb in any way or in any place the students or teachers of any school, to loiter about such school premises, or to act in any obnoxious manner thereon; and for any person to enter upon any such school premises or to loiter around the premises, except on business, without the permission of the principal." "Disorderly conduct" is defined as "behavior that tends to disturb the public peace of decorum, scandalize the community, or shock the public sense of morality." Following an introduction that addresses the study's purpose and the significance, limitations, and design of the study, Part II provides an overview of school disturbance in the United States and discusses the extent of school disturbances as well as possible causes of school disturbances. Part II focuses on the years 1945 to 1969. Areas of transition considered are social transitions, crime rate trends, and school disturbance characteristics. Part IV focuses on 1970 to 1995 ("Civil Rights to the Information Age"). It also considers social transitions, crime rate trends, and school disturbance characteristics. Part V addresses possible solutions to school disturbances. Overall, the findings show that although the school seeks to achieve change through increased education that produces expanded economic opportunity, it is also a reliable mirror image of the society, reflecting whatever is positive and negative in the social setting; therefore, if a social behavior such as violence could be found in society, it was certain to be present to some degree in the schools of the United States. In the 1990's teachers report that the most serious problems they face are lack of parent involvement and student apathy. Possession of guns and drive-by shooting often do not make survey results lists. Sexual harassment and bullying are reported more often than shootings and muggings. Recommendations for reducing school disturbance consist of recommendations for the larger society, recommendations for parents, recommendations for schools, and recommendations for further research and investigation. 168 references