Networking and Accessing School Discipline Programs.

Examining the nature of the communication process as a factor in resolving teacher concerns with discipline problems, this report identifies and defines networking in the school setting and summarizes a study of 500 exemplary schools by the Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) Commission on School Discipline. The report discusses various networking applications within schools, between schools, or among different school systems. The PDK Commission study sought to identify school programs and community projects that successfully ameliorated school discipline problems by establishing close liaison with parents, community agencies, and community resources. Its efforts resulted in a directory of such projects and a handbook of effective practices for use by other districts. The paper also discusses obstacles to networking in education, including the time required, lack of communication, publicity avoidance, and difficulty in replicating successful networking programs. Recommendations for the use of the PDK network are provided. (JEH)