Should School Personnel Attempt To Predict Student Behavior?
One central issue surrounding the prospect of profiling students for violence is whether school personnel should attempt to make predictions about an individual student s propensity for future violence, a task that has been elusive even for trained mental-health professionals. U.S. Education Secretary Richard W. Riley opposes use of behavioral profiling by schools to identify potentially violent students. Riley contends a better way to enhance school safety is for teachers and administrators to create a caring environment that promotes a sense of connection among students and between students and staff (Kenneth Cooper 2000). Riley also points out that research conducted at the University of Oregon s Institute on Violence and Destructive Behavior indicates that when schools promote compassion, discipline, and peaceful conflict resolution they can prevent 80 percent of violent behavior (Cooper). Joe Morrison, school director at North Allegheny, one of Pittsburgh s largest suburban school
