One particular study in New York City schools used conflict resolutions and peer mediation training to reduce student fighting. Seventy-one percent of teachers observed less physical violence among the students that participated.

Violence-prevention literature and experts consistently associate at least seven characteristics with promising school based violence prevention programs: 1} A comprehensive approach

2} an early start, long term commitment

3} strong leadership and disciplinary policies

4} staff development

5} parental involvemen

This violence does not only affect the students but the teachers as well. Between 1990-2000 there have been over 14,000 violent incidents against teachers. In this school alone in a one month period Two teachers reported being punched and kicked by students- including one that was kicked down the stairs. City -wide more than 3,000 were hurt badly enough to miss work-and most of the assaults were committed by the students. Board of Education spokeswoman Karen Crowe said letters raising concerns about MLK High School have been forwarded to the appropriate offices for investigation and follow-up. Last year MLK had 213 reported incidents- the highest number of any Manhattan high school. What are the school officials waiting for, the violence in the public schools are getting out of control, and in today’s society we have to wait for a Columbine incident to happen before our elected officials take any kind of action. Mrs. Crowe’s statement is a smoke screen, telling people what she thinks they want to hear, but where and who are the appropriate offices?

The legislation also includes prevention initiatives and outreach programs.

In my personal experience, having worked in the Public Safety Department for the City University of New York for the past 12 years the only way to curb this problem is to have a set of guidelines in place that students must follow. The administrators in charge of a school, the Board of Education, then parents, and law enforcement should all be involved in creating these guidelines. If these policies are not followed penalties should also be implemented, from having a parent leave work to pick-up a disruptive child to, making an arrest if necessary. No plan will work unless parents or guardians are involved, because the first response from most parents these days are, “ why didn’t someone tell me my child was having a problem at school.” Also the safety and security of students, faculty and staff should be paramount. No student should be allowed to intimidate, harass, or assault anyone who is working at a sc

Some topics in this essay:
Board Education, MLK School, York City, York’s RCCP, Stephanie D’Amore, , Jr HS, University York, Sandra Stephens, Karen Crowe, prevention programs, school violence, school officials, teachers school, law enforcement, violence prevention programs, promising school, violence prevention, seven characteristics, appropriate offices, public school system, comprehensive approach,