Discipline impacts achievement

The truth about crime and violence in Delaware’s public schools. Our governor real vision is blurred by his business roundtable buddies and refuses to address your childrens’ safety.

School Safety should come first but not in Jack’s world! Jack buddies like Rodel and Skipper comes before you childrens’ safety.

Delaware Public School Safety and Discipline Report for 2008-2009

School Crimes (Title 14, Delaware Code, §4112)	1,291
Violent Felonies (Title 11, Delaware Code §4201(c))	101
Gun-Free School Offenses: Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun, Starter Gun, Explosives/Incendiary Device	10
Weapon Offenses: Destructive Weapon, Dangerous Weapon, Dangerous Instrument, Pellet Gun, BB Gun, Knife, Razor Blade/Box Cutter, Brass Knuckles, Bat, Club, Martial Arts Throwing Star	273
Drug Offenses (Title 16, Delaware Code)	304
Assault III (Title 11, Delaware Code §611)	141
Unlawful Sexual Contact (Title 11, Delaware Code §767)	12
Offensive Touching of an Employee/Volunteer (Title 11, Delaware Code §601)	327
Terroristic Threatening of an Employee/Volunteer (Title 11, Delaware Code §621)	123
Department of Education (DOE) Offenses	10,790
Pornography: Possession and Production	25
Bomb Threats (reported as “Terroristic Threatening of an Employee/Volunteer” starting 2007-08)	0
Criminal Mischief (Vandalism)	305
Tampering with Public Records	2
Alcohol, Possession and Use	101
Felony Theft Offenses ( $1,000 or More)	2
Bullying	577
Offensive Touching of a Student	3,318
Terroristic Threatening of a Student	275
Sexual Harassment (Title11, Delaware Code § 763)	118
Fighting/Disorderly Conduct	5,424
Inhalants	0
Drug Paraphernalia	47
Tobacco Possession and/or use	561
Steroids Possession and/or use	0
Medications: Inappropriate Possession and/or use	35

The number one concern for parents is safety of their children while attending school. Our governor cannot make the connection that school discipline issues have a direct impact on academic achievement. Many students live in fear of being harmed and many won’t tell on their abusers.

Students experiencing victimization and students’ perceptions of violence in their schools show lower levels of effect on achievement.

I can link hundreds of reports and articles linking school violence but I am sure most of you will agree there is a connection. The push for reforming Delaware public schools that include political agenda such as Teach for America and allowing our business community to pull Governor Markell around by his nose does not effectively address school discipline. Delaware public schools are in need of crisis interventionist and our family court needs a major wakeup call.