Misplaced emphasis

School violence overshadows other issues

When two Arkansas boys opened fire on their middle school classmates and teachers in March, news reports of the monstrous assault ignited America's fears about the safety of the nation's schools. The country's anxiety only intensified last month when a 14-year-old Pennsylvania student fatally shot his teacher at a school dance. In the wake of the tragic stories, some Michigan lawmakers have begun a crusade to tighten school safety.

But despite the recent surge of media attention surrounding school violence, state statistics show that the actual frequency of severe violence in Michigan classrooms is very low. The new movement to make schools safer stems more from the emotionally charged nature of the student safety issue than from a true statistical need to revamp security and disciplinary protocol. In addition, the push for new regulations likely stems from legislators' and candidates' intent to use the issue of sensational violence as a political weapon during election year. Lansing politicians should redirect their efforts toward remedying far more prevalent problems within the state educational system, such as low school funding and high dropout rates.

Over the past few months, members of the state House have labored on a yet-unfinished 10-bill package intended to protect students, teachers and school personnel. Among the proposals included in the package are plans to mandate the expulsion of students who engage in assault at school. Another one would establish alternative education programs for expelled students. Preparing to vie for a third term, Gov. John Engler has supported the bills and has called for legislation to mandate the expulsion of students found assaulting teachers.

A 1995-1996 Michigan Department of Education survey revealed, however, that less than one percent of students were expelled during the school year. And of the expulsions, less than five percent stemmed from aggravated assaults. The study also found that no expulsions resulted from homicide, kidnapping or sexual assault during that year.

Meanwhile, the state's dropout rate hovers around 20 percent. Many school districts languish because of underfunding. And, despite improvements this year, well over 30 percent of Michigan students lack proficiency in language, math or science. But bills aimed at redressing these problems will not likely materialize in the near future. Neglecting these pressing issues will continue to cripple the state's ailing educational system.

The proposals aimed at curbing school violence show that Lansing is working along the periphery of the school improvement issue, sacrificing substantial educational problems in favor of sensational, vote-getting details. Modifications of disciplinary and safety standards would require no financial commitment, would effect no improvement in the actual quality of education and would not furnish the educational system with any new avenues for change. Consequently, lawmakers should not expend disproportionate effort on the relatively minor problem of school violence, but should resolve to address the significant problems that affect the state school system.

05-11-98