Introduction to Special Issue on Violence in Educational Settings

Educational psychologists, classroom teachers, administrators, and other school personnel know that teaching the "basic" subjects of reading, writing, and mathematics is not enough. Rather, school personnel are pressured by parents, media, and statistics to teach, along with the "basics," relevant life skills for survival. Therefore, the papers presented herein are not a reflection of what to teach as separate subjects; rather, they illustrate that more focus is needed on the "humanness" of education. With so much emphasis on technology in the classroom, we believe it appropriate to be guided by connecting students with a feeling, caring, nurturing, and safe environment. The study of violence, along with measures to prevent violent situations, is one avenue for exploration. How can children feel safe to learn when they wonder if they will be killed for their brandname shoes or leather jackets? How can children feel good about themselves when pressured to sell drugs or use substances? Then, too, who cares if a child is out after night curfew? Can a parent feel safe and comfortable about school settings knowing that the site is surrounded by police officers sweeping for guns or attempting to locate suspects? As educators, we observe students and wonder who will be the next crime statistic, because America is experiencing a steady increase in crime, especially homicides in our major metropolitan areas. Although not an educator in the