NCJ Number
76703
Journal
National Association of Secondary School Principals Bulletin V 64 Issue: 433 Dated: (February 1980) Pages: 81-90
Date Published
1980
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The roles of the principal as social agent, chief security officer, human relations expert, and curriculum planner in dealing with the rising crime incidence in city schools are discussed.
Abstract
School crime is rapidly increasing throughout the United States. Problems of poverty, family breakdown, and alienation all contribute to the rising crime rate. Thus, principals face problems for which they are often untrained. In addition to finding alternative solutions for those youngsters who cannot or will not follow traditional academic patterns, the principal must make school security decisions, such as modifying the physical plant, using special security personnel, maintaining communications systems in the school for the protection of students and teachers, devising and enforcing regulations concerning acceptable student behavior, and designing crisis plans for each school building. The principal is forced to devise ways to counteract the influence of gangs upon youngsters; to maintain the respect and support of teachers, parents, and students; to deal with teacher fear; and to maintain vocational education, alternative academic programs, or alternatives to out-of-school suspensions and expulsions. Suggestions have been made in several school districts to establish safety training workshops for principals and safety committees for schools. The principal must be concerned with both prevention and remediation of crime problems, even when they are competing for the same resources. Effective school crime management depends upon the successful performance of all the various roles a principal is forced to face. Twelve footnotes accompany the text.