NCJ Number
114552
Journal
School Safety Dated: (Fall 1988) Pages: 16-20
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Deteriorating conditions in a Los Angeles high school required the development of corrective measures to ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff, improve the quality of the teaching staff, and facilitate skills building among students.
Abstract
A cooperative effort was established between school police and the Los Angeles police department to increase security within and outside the school and discourage violence, extortion, gang activity, and drug sales. The presence of police eliminated gang problems and made it possible for students and staff to use the campus without fear of victimization. To improve staff quality, inservice training and mentor teachers were provided, regular meetings were conducted, and evaluation sessions for new teachers were instituted. To bring students up to grade level, an instructional delivery system was implemented that involved a seven-step lesson planning and evaluation process and provided programs for students of varying ability, including high-risk, gifted, and remedial students. Participatory decisionmaking and an emphasis on academic excellence resulted in reduced displays of gang affiliation, increased student participation in school activities, and a sense of calm throughout the campus. Additional support for teachers was also provided, including counselors, a school psychologist, pupil attendance and service workers, and a drop-out prevention coordinator. These efforts produced significant changes between 1982 and 1988 and provided a foundation for inner-city students.