School violence is getting worse
| 13:09 UK time, Friday, 17 November 2006
We get a lot of story suggestions from you and everyone is read and considered. This is one email we're definitely going to do pick up on, probably on Tuesday's show (21st November). Let us know if you want to take part. Remember that while Marcy writes of her experiences in the States, we'd like to hear your perspective wherever you are.... this is the email Marcy sent....
'My name is Marcy Wells. I am a teacher in Detroit.
I would like the World Have Your Say to look at violence in (some) American schools for the following reasons:
1. The public does not really know the extent of everyday student related violence in some schools. This problem is due to a strong 'don't tell' policy within the public schools coming from the adults in charge. Many top school personnel are afraid of losing their jobs if they share what's really going on in some American schools. This process keeps the many small fires burning and only the few big ones being handled. When jobs and advancement are based on performance some top personnel are known to fake reports and data.
2. I believe every student misconduct needs to be published, so that, more accountability will take place within the schools. I'm not saying their names should be known, but the schools total number of student misconducts and what type should be obvious to all. There is also a strong don't tell policy among the students, which also allows the problem students to cause a lot of damage within a school building.
3. Many parents are hard working people, yet they do not make time for their local parent-teacher associations. I believe if they know the truth they will demand more responsibility from the CEOs, School Boards and Principals of every school in America. Likewise, I believe the community will be strengthened when it becomes obvious which kids are raising themselves.
4. I would like one of these questions asked:
a. Why do students come to school to fight gang wars?
b. What is the underlining cause of violence among the student populations in American Schools?
c. Is there a relationship with the level of violence in some American schools and the economic stability of the parent?
d. How does a school deal with a problem student if he or she is classified as Special Education? Most S.E. students are not expelled no matter what their infractions.
e. Do parents who are hopeless and fearful about the future produce hopeless children who are also hopeless and fearful about the future?
f. Fighting and killing over territory is not a new concept in our world. However, how can this concept be so strong in young urban children of the poor and working class?
I hope you are able to get some ideas from this.
Marcy Wells
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