It was found that those youths who were male, from broken homes or from families characterized by a low degree of positive family functioning, and who participated frequently in deviant activities with members of their peer group were significantly more likely than other youths to be violent toward teachers Although the violent, disruptive youths were less likely to perceive graduating from high school as important, the majority of both the violent and non-violent youths did attach importance to this achievement. Measures to curb school disruption and violence must include programs which provide students with opportunities for school success regardless of their ability or socio-economic status. Several programs which have been successful in educationally motivating and providing opportunities for hard core delinquents are described. (Publisher abstract)