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Theory Into Practice 43.1 (2004) 91



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Creating Safe Schools for All Children, by Daniel L. Duke. Allyn & Bacon, 2002, 252 pp., $42.67. ISBN: 020532018x

Daniel Duke is a prolific author with many other works to his credit on topics in the area of behavior problems and discipline policies. This book is an overview and synthesis of research on school safety issues. It is up-to-date, citing works published as recently as 2000, in a clear, well-organized manner. The emphasis is on the school as a whole, rather than on classroom or individual-level planning.

Duke begins with an overview of his subject, both a chronology of work in the area and a thematic guide to various perspectives, such as political, organizational, psychological, and so on. He then offers a chapter on each of seven standards:

    Students know how they are supposed to behave in school and understand the reason why. Rules are enforced and consequences are administered humanely, fairly, and consistently. Students feel valued and cared for. A balance exists between efforts to promote appropriate conduct, discourage misconduct, and effectively handle misconduct when and if it does occur. School authorities anticipate and prepare for situations that could be disruptive or dangerous. The physical environment of the school has been designed to promote the safety and well-being of students. Parents and community members are involved in and committed to efforts to create and maintain safe schools. (p. xviii)

Each of these chapters discuss previous work on the subject, offer brief examples called "Case in Point" of the ideas in practice, and make recommendations for action.

The book is not a detailed implementation plan. It summarizes lots of background reading and makes general recommendations that each reader will need to implement based on his/her local situation. The final chapters of the book offer 1- to 2-page answers to a catch-all of common questions about such topics as the legal rights of students, dealing with gangs, referring students for help outside the school, and some overarching ideas that will be helpful in implementing each of the standards.

Well written, timely, and thought provoking, this book is an excellent contribution to the literature.



Kate Corby
Michigan State University

Reprinted with permission from the Education Review, http://edrev.asu.edu/index.html

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