In this article, the author examined the AG by noting that the NAEP reported math scores among 17-year-olds is upwardly biased when compared with the scores of this same cohort 4 years earlier when they were 13 years old. It is upwardly biased because an important event happens over the 4-year period between 8th and 12th grade--a large percentage…

Since its inception, America's system of public education has faced many challenges. One of its more important challenges has been how to teach children from diverse backgrounds and cultures. As a society that prides itself on a democratic ideology, cultural diversity and schooling are not trivial issues. One of the more significant diversity…

Examines the implications zero-tolerance policies have in public schools, especially in regard to race/ethnicity and social class relations, suggesting that such policies are neither effective, child centered, nor equitable and may exacerbate inappropriate student behavior and disproportionately sanction ethnic/racial minorities. Recommends that…

Introduces this special issue on safe schools. Two articles concentrate on educational theory related to safe schools, and two articles discuss the analysis of data about school safety. The final three articles describe the activities of three safe-school programs. (SLD)

Reviews the literature on quality schools and safe schools, and proposes two testable hypotheses: (1) the greater the school quality, the fewer the school crimes; and (2) the greater the school quality, the more safe-schools components are in place. Supports both hypotheses with examples. (SLD)

Reviews and critiques some of the more prominent school-safety databases. Develops a framework for collecting safe-schools indicators by merging the safe-school framework of the National Education Association with a social-indicators model. Provides recommendations for annual data collection, publication, and dissemination. (SLD)

Describes a program undertaken by the New Jersey Education Association in partnership with the National Education Association to make three urban schools safer, the "Schools as Fear-Free Education Zones" (S.A.F.E.). Data are not yet available about program success, but early collaboration appears promising. (SLD)