5158.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 12:30 PM

Abstract #13180

Teacher's perceptions of crime and violence in the classroom

Allan M. Hoffman, EdD, CHES1, Mary Pat Wohlford-Wessels, MS, MA1, and Dennis Krueger2. (1) College of Health Sciences, Des Moines University, 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312, 515 271-1505, Allan.Hoffman@dsmu.edu, (2) Iowa State Education Association, 777 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Teacher’s Perceptions of Crime and Violence in the Classroom

Crime and Violence in schools has been increasing throughout the United States. This violence is not limited to inner city schools, but has struck virtually every strata and socioeconomic level of American culture and society. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) surveys teachers and principals regarding their perceptions of crime and violence. Des Moines University, in collaboration with the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) recently conducted survey research designed to investigate the perceptions of Iowa teachers. The specific aims of the project were to: 1) measure teachers perceptions related to crime and violence in the classroom, and on school property, 2) Compare perceptual differences between rural and urban teachers, 3) Compare perceptual differences between elementary, middle, and high school teachers, 4) Determine how effective teachers perceived current discipline programs and policies and 5) To determine perceptual differences between junior level and senior level teachers. The results of this research will be used to assist in determining educational programming related to violence intervention strategies. A follow-up survey scheduled for Summer 2000, will look at the perceptions of principals. A comparative analysis between teacher and principals will be conducted.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to : 1) describe teachers perceptions related to crime and violence in the classroom and on school property, 2)state perceptual differences beween rural and urban teachers, 3) describe perceptual differences between junior level teachers and senior/experienced teachers

Keywords: School Health, Violence Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA