State education departments provide leadership, guidance, and supervision of the State school system. Duties usually include consultative services, development and dissemination of materials to improve educational programs, establishment of rules and regulations governing standards of school operation, and accreditation of schools. The telephone survey reached State personnel involved with activities promoting safe and drug-free schools in 47 States and the District of Columbia in fall 1995. The initial responses were surprising in that they revealed a primary focus on determining how to allocate Federal funds to local schools under the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities law. The personnel also emphasized that the State does not provide or suggest specific programs, because control is local. States often offer conferences and workshops and provide curriculum materials related to increasing school security. They often commented on the need for a comprehensive approach, secure funding, and greater emphasis on prevention. Gangs, guns, and discipline were the main violence-related issues of concern. An emerging role for State agencies is providing assistance in the selection and implementation of promising practices. Federal funding has been crucial and decreases jeopardize the existence of safe school programs. Appended summaries of three skill-building and violence prevention programs and 9 references