Children of Indian descent have won first place in five of the last seven years of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and this year they made up 30 of the 273 contestants, a proportion many times larger than their 0.66% of the population. These achievements were possible because some Indian parents can become obsessive when it comes to the…

This article reports on how the Baltimore District tackles its high suspension rates. Driven by an increasing belief that zero-tolerance disciplinary policies are ineffective, more educators are embracing strategies that do not exclude misbehaving students from school for offenses such as insubordination, disrespect, cutting class, tardiness, and…

This report describes the nature and extent of crime and violence on school property. It presents information on how schools and communities can work together to prevent and address school violence. The report is divided into 4 chapters. Chapter 1 presents the nature and scope of school violence, whereas chapter 2 describes steps that communities…

This paper critiques the use of zero tolerance policies for general and special education students, focusing on equal educational opportunity. It presents an alternative comprehensive schoolwide approach to discipline that infuses best practices and a philosophy of democratic education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)…

Some superintendents'"zero-tolerance" stance on guns, drugs, and disruptive student behavior conflicts with federal laws (Individuals with Disabilities Act and Americans with Disabilities Act), which apply a "zero-reject" policy to many categories of students with disabilities. Superintendents should revamp policies and…

Traces zero tolerance from federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 through state compliance and state board of education regulations to school district policy and guidelines in Virginia. Reviews Virginia case involving suspension of a middle-school student for having a paring knife in his locker. Reviews other zero-tolerance cases. Questions the…

Concerns over students' and staff members' safety in public schools continue to mount-- manifested in zero-tolerance policies, stringent disciplinary practices, and efforts to implement drug-screening programs. Although "reasonable suspicion" for searches and drug testing is the watchword, courts cannot agree on definitions. Legalities…

In this article, the author focuses on the issue involving zero tolerance in the Texas district whether the dress code policy is reasonable. In a small Texas school district, over 700 students were suspended in a single month for violating a zero-tolerance dress code policy. This suspension, which attracted national attention and threats of…

Some models for collaboration among families, schools, law enforcement, and social agencies, which promote gang awareness and prevention of gang involvement at the elementary and middle school levels, are described in this research review. The studies were grouped into three categories: background information, prevention strategies, and…

A study of one district's expulsion files over a two-year period found the majority of offenses were committed by students not generally considered dangerous to the school environment. Students recommended for expulsion had below-average grades and achievement scores, and more than expected had identified special education needs. (Author/CR)

Student threats of violence should be taken seriously. Although zero-tolerance policies are gaining popularity, mental-health experts urge a more deliberative approach that explores student motives and metes out punishment on a more individualized basis. Fostering strong staff-student relationships and communication can effectively deter violence.…

Reports on a revisit to the Frank Lloyd Wright Middle School, which implemented strategies to deal with disciplinary problems. The school continues to progress towards creating the type of reclaiming environment necessary to ensure the needs of all students. Strategies used include alternatives to zero tolerance policy; smaller teams of students;…

This collection of essays describes how communities can make their schools safe. The text is divided into four parts: "Roots of Violence"; "Legal Issues"; "Strategies for Making Schools Safe"; and "Conclusions and Recommendations." The chapters in part 1 include the following: "The Impact of Violence in Schools" (Donald F. DeMoulin);…

In its landmark decision in "Goss v. Lopez" (1975), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that for a suspension of 10 days or fewer, public school officials must provide the student with at least the following minimum of procedural protection on the basis of the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause: oral (or written) notice of the charges…

A Montana superintendent and presidential appointee explains federal initiatives (funded programs and directives) that school leaders can apply to their own violence-prevention work. These include support for zero-tolerance policies, community programs, afterschool activities, and school-uniform policies. Resource centers are listed. (MLH)