Curriculum, Culture, and Community: The Challenge of School Violence (From Youth Violence, P 317-363, 1998, Michael Tonry, Mark H. Moore, eds. - See NCJ-174181)

• NCJ Number: 174188
• Author(s): D C Anderson
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 47 pages
• Sale Source: University of Chicago Press
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reviews strategies for reducing the level of school violence.

Abstract

Although broad national studies do not demonstrate a dramatic increase in school violence since the 1970s, serious violence and disorder are real for some students. Risk factors for these students include poverty, inner-city residence, enrollment in junior high school, and living in a family and community where violence is common. Curricular responses include classes in conflict resolution, self-esteem, and multicultural sensitivity. Administrative responses include alternative schools, staff development, and efforts to alter the school culture. Community-outreach programs include committees of school, neighborhood, and city officials; joint projects with local police; and aggressive efforts to bring social services to students' families. Evaluation findings suggest that altering a school's internal culture can do much to reduce violence even for schools in violent communities. Table, references