School Disorder and the Current Strategies Utilized: An Analysis of Texas Schools
Date
2013-05
Authors
McKenna, Joseph M.
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Abstract
This study reports the findings of an analysis that established relationships between the strategies used by Texas schools to prevent and/or reduce disorder (SCP measures, educational-based programs for staff and students, and the use of law enforcement), characteristics of the school environment, and levels of school disorders. A stratified-random sampling method, based on community type and grade level, was utilized to ensure the sample was representative of all schools in Texas. Principals in the
sample responded to an online questionnaire where information regarding the strategies used to prevent and/or respond to disorder, the environmental characteristics of the school, and incidents of disorder were reported. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the variables. The results of this study indicate that Texas schools are using a wide variety of strategies to reduce and/or prevent incidents of disorder and certain environmental factors have a relationship with incidents of school disorder. In addition, the current research has identified several relationships that are of interest in terms of effectiveness of such strategies, and therefore has begun to strengthen the process of systematically evaluating the strategies currently being used by Texas schools.
Description
Keywords
School disorder, Situational crime prevention, School-based law enforcement, Educational programs, Environmental factors
Citation
McKenna, J. M. (2013). <i>School Disorder and the Current Strategies Utilized: An Analysis of Texas Schools</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.