Inquirer Editorial: Attack school violence

Philadelphia Superintendent Arlene Ackerman should act quickly on recommendations to curb racial and ethnic violence and create a safer environment where students can learn.

A report recently released by the city's Commission on Human Relations highlighted a series of problems that demand close attention. The report stems from a series of yearlong public hearings into racially motivated attacks on Asian students at South Philadelphia High in 2009, but it underscores a larger violence issue.

The district has made some needed changes since the South Philadelphia High incident made headlines. But continued improvement must come at a swifter pace to protect students in all schools.

In the past two years, school violence has dropped nearly 30 percent in Philadelphia, and suspensions are down. Yet, violence remains a persistent problem.

The commission said the district has failed to adequately address "a system-wide" problem. It said polices to combat violence and ethnic tensions are applied inconsistently, and discipline is uneven from school to school.

The report painted a troubling picture of city classrooms, where racial violence and other conflicts routinely interrupt learning. That can't help but impact the large number of students dropping out or flunking. Rather than putting out fires when long-simmering tensions erupt, the district needs a more comprehensive approach that includes anti-bullying and peer mediation programs to prevent violence.

The report also suggests the district re-think a zero-tolerance disciplinary approach, which removes the ability to use discretion where it is warranted.

Last fall, the district launched its "Focus 46" plan targeting the city's most persistently dangerous schools. It is a good start, but just a start.

The report offers eight commonsense recommendations that the district could easily implement to further improve the environment in all schools and set the tone that violence will not be tolerated. They include requiring principals to enforce policies, responding effectively when incidents occur, and making it easier for students, teachers and parents to report incidents. Better reporting would provide a more accurate assessment of incidents.

Children can't learn when they are afraid, and teachers can't effectively teach in such environments. Change can't wait.