This article alerts parents to the danger of asbestos exposure in schools and urges parent teacher associations to demand corrective action. It explains: (1) how to identify asbestos; (2) how to remove it; and (3) how to recover costs from the industry. A recently enacted rule by the Environmental Protection Agency is stated. (PP)

The author looks at the different tools and processes used in the art classroom, pointing out areas of safety concern, and suggests tool maintenance and use standards which can prevent classroom accidents. (SJL)

Methods for organizing and storing chemicals in teaching laboratories and preparation rooms are given, emphasizing storing and handling of flammable liquids. Two appendices are given: (1) flash points and autoignition temperatures of common flammable liquids; (2) content of a kit, with instructions, for cleaning up spills of flammable liquids. (JN)

Suggestions are given for safety precautions in the secondary school science laboratory. Emphasis is placed on fire safety and identification of particularly hazardous situations. (SA)

Discusses a study to establish and compare the perceived importance of 17 of the most regularly identified effective-schools characteristics for school community members in Australia and the United States. Principals, teachers, parents, and students believe that the most critical elements are dedicated and qualified staff, clear school purposes,…

Presents survey information showing where school districts have invested their security budgets. Included are the rankings of the various threats school districts see as requiring security action and the areas most often covered by closed circuit television systems are pointed. (GR)

Merrimack (New Hampshire) is only one school system in the headlines over the twin issues of what schools should teach about homosexuality and what support they should offer gay and lesbian youth. Sidebars highlight school districts that have received media attention because of their policies on homosexuality and offer suggestions for boards…

Presents data on personal student victimization from a 1993 national survey of students in grades 6-12 (n=6,504). The data suggest that unsafe conditions at school are a reality for most U.S. students. Half of the students witnessed some type of crime or victimization at school, and one in eight reported being directly victimized at school. (SM)

Attempts to create a safe environment at many inner city high schools tend to separate students, who are largely black, working class, and poor, into criminal and noncriminal categories, creating a labeling system that denies complex individuality. Demonstrates how teens reaffirmed and subverted harmless/dangerous labels by disguising themselves…

Describes responses of four southern U.S. middle schools to increased potential for violence. Teachers and administrators viewed the cause of school violence to reside outside the school, whereas students saw the cause resting firmly within a school environment in which students were permitted or even expected to be cruel to one another. (KB)

Discusses how elementary and middle school counselors might use a stress debriefing model to address student-survivor and parent needs. The model uses a structured small group process consisting of seven stages. Looks at the school counselor's role in crisis debriefing, what should be accomplished prior to debriefing, and other strategies. (RJM)

Describes a technique developed over the last 15 years in conjunction with South Carolina school districts to help them set priorities when addressing school building needs. Identifies five factors that are used to measure the overall impact of an individual facilities project in relation to other projects, thereby ranking projects according to an…

Examines the relationship between statewide implementation of comprehensive guidance and counseling programs and indicators of success and safety for seventh graders (N=22,601). Students attending schools with more fully implemented comprehensive programs reported: feeling safer attending schools; having better relationships with their teachers;…

A study of 1,004 eighth and tenth grade students from 23 small central Texas communities indicates that violence and drug use are prevalent in rural schools. Because risk taking is the common link between drug use and violence, intervention should identify high-risk behaviors and teach safety skills. (nine references) (MLF)

Innercity students who enter a suburban school system often find themselves at a significant disadvantage, both academically and socially, and seek acceptance by flaunting gang symbols. Identifies 10 strategies for addressing the problems of gang influence in suburban schools, including involving transfer students and providing career counseling.…