Vandalism in Texas high schools : nature, extent, and preventive measures

Abstract

Procedure. A review of related literature was conducted to identify suggested relationships between school and community characteristics and the extent of school vandalism, and to identify vandalism prevention measures being used in the nation. This review led to the development of a questionnaire which was mailed to a stratified random sampling of high schools in Texas. Data were received from 189 principals which represented 84 per cent of those surveyed. The data were analyzed to produce descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and correlation coefficients. Major Findings. 1. No significant relationships were found to exist between the characteristics of high school principals and the extent of school vandalism. 2. Eight significant relationships were found to exist between the characteristics of high school faculties and the extent of vandalism in Texas high schools. 3. Four significant relationships were found to exist between the characteristics of high school student bodies and the extent of vandalism in Texas high schools. 4. Three significant relationships were found to exist between community characteristics and the extent of vandalism in Texas high schools. 5. One significant relationship was found to exist between the characteristics of school facilities and the extent of vandalism in Texas high schools. 6. The average number of vandalism incidents per 100 students in the schools surveyed was 4.34 ranging from 0 to 49; the average per student cost of vandalism damage, excluding arson, was $2.17 ranging from 0 to $33.10. The average per student cost of arson was 22 cents..