At Risk

On May 4th the 18th edition of Indicators of School Crime and Safety, a joint publication of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) was released. The report is compiled from a number of statistical data sources supported by the federal government and provides us with the most recent data available.  In some cases the risk is inflicted by others.  In other cases the student's own behavior is what puts them at risk.

Physical Attack: In 2013-14, about 58 percent of public schools recorded one or more incidents of a physical attack or fight without a weapon, 47 percent of schools recorded one or more incidents of threat of physical attack without a weapon, and 13 percent of public schools recorded one or more serious violent incidents.

Cyber-Bullying: In 2013, approximately 7 percent of students ages 12-18 reported being cyber-bullied anywhere during the school year.  About 27 percent of students who reported being cyber-bullied anywhere indicated that they were cyber-bullied at least once or twice a month.

Bullying: In 2013, about 33 percent of students who reported being bullied at school indicated that they were bullied at least once or twice a month during the school year. A higher percentage of students reported notifying an adult after being bullied at school than after being cyber-bullied anywhere (39 vs. 23 percent).

Illegal Drug Availability: The percentage of students in grades 9–12 who reported that illegal drugs were offered, sold, or given to them on school property increased from 1993 to 1995 (from 24 to 32 percent), but then decreased to 22 percent in 2013.

Alcohol Use: In 2013, about 47 percent of 12th-graders reported consuming alcohol on at least 1 day during the previous 30 days. This percentage was higher than the percentages for 9th-graders (24 percent), 10th-graders (31 percent), and 11th-graders (39 percent).

Marijuana Use: In 2013, some 23 percent of students in grades 9-12 reported using marijuana at least one time in the previous 30 days.

To find out more go to http://nces.ed.gov/programs/crimeindicators/index.asp.

Featured

  • From Approval to Opening: Inside Travis Unified School District’s Fast Tracked Campus Expansion

    The Travis Unified School District (TUSD) in northern California includes several elementary and high schools serving over 5,400 students. In 2024, the TUSD Board approved the addition of sixth grade to the Golden West Middle School campus for the 2025–26 school year, setting in motion an accelerated effort to bring new facilities online in less than a year.

  • LAN, Inc. Opens Office in College Station, Texas

    Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) recently announced the opening of a new office in College Station, Texas, to support its regional client base, according to a news release. The organization provides engineering, design, and program management services for water, wastewater, transportation, stormwater, and education clients in the Brazos Valley.

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.

  • Little Grand Market

    Designing for Belonging: Why Student Wellness Starts with Space

    From walkable site planning to flexible interiors, intentional design choices play a critical role in how students experience comfort, connection, and community.