What Are the Most Serious Problems in Schools? Issue Brief.

Special Surveys and Analysis Branch, National Center for Education Statistics, 555 New Jersey Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20208-5651.

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Policymakers; Practitioners

Attendance Patterns; Behavior Problems; Elementary School Teachers; Elementary Secondary Education; Principals; Private Schools; Public Schools; School Security; Secondary School Teachers; Student Behavior; Teacher Attitudes; Violence

The Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics in 1987-88 and 1990-91, asked teachers and principals their view of problems in their schools. When asked about a range of school problems including absenteeism, student drug abuse, and physical conflicts among students, teachers and principals could respond that each problem was either a serious problem, moderate problem, minor problem, or not a problem in their schools. The 1990-91 survey demonstrated that both teachers and principals perceive the lack of parental involvement as a serious school problem. Among secondary school teachers, at least 10 percent of public school teachers cited apathy, poverty, absenteeism, disrespect for teachers, parental alcoholism and/or drug abuse, and tardiness as serious school problems. Behaviors and attitudes of students were more likely to be seen as problematic by teachers at the secondary level than at the elementary level. Parental alcoholism was described as "serious" by both public elementary and secondary teachers. Private school teachers were less likely to report student attitudes and behaviors or parental substance abuse as serious problems. In 1991, fewer secondary school teachers at both public and private schools cited student alcohol and drug abuse as serious problems than in 1988. Fewer teachers cited weapons possession as a serious problem in 1991 than in 1988. (TEJ)

1993

ED355620