Violence in Schools: Issues, Consequences, and Expressions

School violence, from simple bullying to murder, is on the rise. Therefore, Kathy Sexton-Radek has addressed the need for a straightforward, in-depth discussion of school violence in this edited collection. She has compiled essays from an impressive group of authors including both academics and practitioners. Together, they present a comprehensive view of the many types of school violence and how to prevent it. This book will serve as an invaluable tool for teachers, parents, counselors, school administrators, and psychologists dealing with violent children and their victims.

This volume is divided into three major sections, the first of which provides a conceptual foundation to help the reader understand school violence. Section two presents programmatic strategies for the prevention of violence. And, finally, the third section offers a chapter by Sexton-Radek on conflict resolution and several useful appendices, one of which is a listing of web resources for violence prevention programming.

Based on extensive experience with conflict resolution training in inner-city Chicago schools, clinical psychologist Sexton-Radek (Elmhurst College) introduces nine chapters by scholars and practitioners addressing increasing school violence. She collects several theoretical perspectives on the causes of youth aggression, treatment approaches, and research issues relating to intervention programs. The reader includes Web resources for violence prevention, a case study of the editor's successful conflict resolution intervention for elementary students, and a glossary. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Karen Jensen - VOYA

School violence has been in the forefront of American minds since a rash of school shootings began in the 1990s. According to this resource, "more than one-third of the deaths of children, adolescents, and young adults" result from violence. This collection of essays takes an academic look, primarily from a psychological perspective, at the causes and consequences of violence in schools. It can range from bullying to premeditated murder, and although the consequences differ, the effects are profound. The dialogue is divided into three parts: "Thinking About Violence Prevention Programming," "Enacting Violence Prevention Programming," and "Behavior Expressions and Violence Prevention Programming." The first part looks at adolescent development and the factors that contribute to violent behavior in youth. The essays then turn to the teaching of violence prevention, offer strategies for preventing violent behavior, and address the victim's side of the issue. The book concludes with a look at the issues related to conflict resolution. Because of the specific and academic nature of the text, the discussion presented is most useful for psychologists and educators looking to understand and address school violence issues, but it might also be a helpful tool for parents and high school students looking for information. Each entry has individual references, and Web resources are provided. 2005, Praeger, 191p.; Glossary. Index. Illus. Charts. Biblio., Ages adult professional.

KATHY SEXTON-RADEK is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Illinois. She has initiated and coordinated several service learning projects that entail the training of undergraduate and graduate students in the implementation of Conflict Resolution issues.