Regardless of fluctuations in its rates, incidence, and categories, violence continues to create an ongoing challenge to the nation's educational environment. Violence in our schools demands that educators, students, parents, social service organizations, and concerned individuals be informed about the problems, causes, and effects of school violence and that we all join the search for solutions. We hope that the lessons and resources included in this CRF online site may help to introduce the problem of--and solutions to-- school violence into our schools' educational agendas.
Online Lessons
The Challenge of School Violence. Each year, 3 million young people in the United States fall victim to crimes at school. Almost 2 million of these incidents involve violence. This lesson examines school violence and policy proposals related to it.
The Causes of School Violence. School violence is a many-faceted problem, making it difficult for researchers and practitioners to pinpoint its causes. This article explores the scope, scale, and causes of school violence.
Creating Alternatives to Violence Although conflict is part of everyday life, it does not have to lead to violence. In this reading, students examine the nature of violence and discuss methods for addressing the problem.
Service Learning--A School-Violence Prevention Strategy. Describes how schools can integrate service-learning principles and procedures to address school violence as part of the educational agenda.
Should Hate be Outlawed? “Hate crimes,” crimes motivated by race, color, creed, religion, or gender are on the rise around the world. In the United States, over half such crimes are committed by people under the age of 21. This lesson explores legal issues arising from the prosecution of hate crimes and the protection of free speech.
Implementing a Civic Action Project In times of crisis, it is important to provide students with opportunities to get involved and help address the needs of their school or community. This short guide provides teachers with a nine-step process that empowers students to plan and implement a civic-action project.
