Results from a diverse selection of public opinion polls, most conducted by Gallup, taken from 1954 to 1984 reveal Americans' long-term concern about discipline in public schools. Since 1969, in every year but one, discipline has been considered the biggest problem facing schools by at least a quarter of the respondents. One in four surveyed views discipline as a continuing and fairly serious problem which affects the quality of education. Respondents make a distinction between crime in schools and their concern for the maintenance of an orderly environment in which to learn, characterized by mutual respect between the adults and the students. Most feel the problem stems from lack of discipline in the home and lack of respect for law and authority throughout society. A substantial portion of the public believe discipline problems should be dealt with by a combination of school and parents, and, in some instances, the courts also. Teacher opinion polls show that problems of discipline and violence have been declining over the last few years. (PS)