Annotated+Bibliography-School+or+Prison?-+David+Phaneuf


 * Works Cited**

Gumbrecht, J. (2012, December 17). What really makes schools safer?. //CNN.// Retrieved from []

This article calls into question the argument that security measures like high-tech surveillance systems increase security in schools. A large portion of the article referred to the Sandy Hook shooting that happened in December of 2012. It states how the Sandy Hook faculty did everything they could in terms of reacting the situation as it was unfolding correctly, and that no matter what security systems the school had it probably wouldn’t have changed the outcome. The article argues that spending a larger portion of the school budget on security negatively impacts students as it inhibits the purchase of supplies and hiring proficient teachers. It makes the claim that the best way to increase safety at a school is to gain the trust of the students so that, if someone were planning to do something, someone would be willing to come forward and reveal that information to the staff. I have to agree with the opinion this article puts forward. Students who commit school shootings know what security measures are in place and are able to plan around them. The Columbine shooters were able to plan a diversion to not only direct students in the direction they wanted but also to divert officers within the school. Teaching kids to be aware of their surroundings and how to react in the event something DOES happen is much more important than putting up all these measures around them and leaving them in the dark about it all. Taking into consideration my experience in high school I believe that the advice this article gives should be implemented in more schools here and the importance of them stressed.

Molnar, M. (2013). Districts invest in new measures to boost security. //Education Week//, //33//(5), 1-19.

This article covers the nationwide reaction to the Sandy Hook shooting that took place in December of 2012. It indicates that a number of official reports show that schools are making large amounts of costly security system purchases, including visitor-management systems, bullet-resistant glass, as well as communication and video surveillance systems. It provides statements and evidence that show how after high-profile shootings companies take the opportunity to expand business, particularly in K-12 grade levels, to sell products intended for use in other environments and situations. The article looks at how many districts do not represent security expenditures accurately within their budgets and that urban areas spend much more on security than state averages. Laws are also being put into place that would require that schools meet certain requirements concerning the level of security it achieves. While I wasn’t stunned by anything in particular concerning this article, I did find it sickening just how far companies are willing to go in order to increase their profits. The fact that the information in this article isn’t known to the majority of the population of this country is alarming and just goes to show how ignorant many are when it comes to the education of youth. This is information that every parent should know. This may effect Rhode Island schools because although urban areas are targeted, that doesn’t mean that it is limited to them. Security camera systems are already being marketed to and implemented in suburban, middle/upper class areas. This normalizes these measures to students as they haven’t experienced what it’s like without them, allowing for an increase in “justified” rights violations.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2013). //School safety and security measures .//Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=334

The information I gained from the National Center for Education Statistic’s website concerned data on the percentages of schools that implement specific security measures. These measures include controlled access during school hours, requiring staff and students to wear badges or picture IDs, metal detector checks, drug sweeps and technology implemented in the school. It shows that as grade level increases, so does the amount of security present in the school with the exception of controlled access. Although I agree with a number of security measures that are currently implemented in schools such as controlled access and electronic notification systems in case of a school-wide emergency, I was surprised by a few of the statistics present. 60% of high schools conducting random dog sniffs for contraband to be the most disturbing. This implies that students are constantly under suspicion and that they will be searched. Also considering that searching an adult without probably cause is a violation of rights I find it appalling that this does not extend to minors. Also, by putting emphasis on drugs it could possibly lead to an interest in them that would not have happened otherwise. Studies have shown that people, and particularly adolescents, are more likely to become interested in something when they are told not to do it. This could affect Rhode Island school in a number of ways. For example since Rhode Island is more well-off financially than other states it most likely has a lower percentage of schools using these security measures. The argument could be made that it must increase that percentage to at least a nation-wide standard and thus force many schools to adopt unnecessary security policies.

Perez, A. (2012, December 19). School safety: Inside one school's extraordinary security measures. //Nation//, Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/12/school-security-one-schools-extraordinary-safety-measures/

This article covers the extensive security measures that Middleton Elementary School in Chicago has in place at its facility. From the article: “Once the employees let you through the first set of doors, you are only able to go as far as a vestibule. There you hand over your ID so the school can run a quick background check using a visitor management system devised by Raptor Technologies.” It contains statements from a CEO claiming how his company had been contacted by a large number of schools after the Sandy Hook shooting asking for its products to be put in place, while also covering the cost of said products.  Once again, I find it sickening that companies are profiting from tragedy. I also find it disheartening that students are constantly surrounded by strict policies especially at an age where they should be carefree and adventurous. This article can be related to Rhode Island schools because it shows how much these technologies cost, and it can be inferred just how much of a setback to a district’s schools budget it would be to buy them.

Sussman, A. (2012). Learning in lockdown: school police, race, and the limits of law. //UCLA Law Review//, //59//(3), 788-849.

This article rejects the notion that schools need to implement drastic security measures in order to keep them safe, comparing them to measures found at juvenile detention centers and prisons. A number of examples of abuse of power are given, such as a young child being arrested for throwing a tantrum. The article argues that minorities and those who live in poverty are the ones affected the most as schools in low-income areas typically have the highest level of security. With more funds being allocated in that area there is even less money that can be used to purchase supplies and an appropriate number of qualified teachers. It also makes the claim, and supports it with evidence, that police departments pressure schools into hiring armed officers in order to increase their revenue. It also shows that 77% of incidents that police responded to were noncriminal offenses and involved mostly black or latino students. Overall, the article argues that because of increased security measures and harsh disciplinary practices minority students are not given an equal chance at education and instead ushers them towards the path to prison. Overall, I found the information contained within the article to be disturbing, but not particularly surprising. It’s been a habit for years that police are used to intimidate and suppress those in poverty, but the fact that the process is being started earlier and earlier is almost sickening, particularly the events that involved middle or grade school aged students. I honestly cannot imagine the kind of impact that would have on a child, and can only assume that he or she will grow up to mistrust and fear police officers and participate in activities that directly oppose/fight back against them or refuse to go to them for help even if needed. The article is well-written, is supported by a large number of documents and can be considered a valid source, if biased. I also believe that the warnings it brings up should be heeded, as the situation will only continue to escalate if left unchecked. Although not particularly prevalent in Rhode Island schools it should be assumed that it could continue to spread until our schools mirror the ones in the article, considering security cameras and armed officers are already beginning to become commonplace.