Implementation of Effective Discipline Programs in Schools

Reviewing the specific funding sources that are available for the development and implementation of an effective discipline program in New York City schools, it is evident that the federal government does offer some assistance toward meeting this goal. According to the US Department of Education (2004), Subpart 1 of the No child Left Behind Act stipulates that schools that pursue comprehensive drug and violence prevention programs can receive funding for further development of these programs. Federal grants for schools meeting the criteria of the Act is 20 percent of the allocated budget for the year. The total amount available is divided among eligible schools.

In addition to seeking funding sources from the federal government, a comprehensive review of private organizations offering grants for schools demonstrates that there are a host of nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that also provide assistance for the development of discipline programs. Specifically, Grants Office (2006) notes that it provides grants to public schools all across the US. These grants are used to help these schools effectively develop safety programs. These programs must address issues of violence, discipline and drugs/alcohol use on campus. Further, the Rockefeller Foundation has recently provided grants for NYC schools that promote achievement and improve overall safety (Ernst, 2005).

Finally, there are some local organizations in New York City that offer grant money to schools that develop and implement effectively safety and discipline programs. Specifically, the Building Better Neighborhoods Program offered by the State Attorney General's Office of NY is currently offering grants to NYC schools that have developed effective programs toward achieving this goal (Grant opportunity, 2005). In addition, research on funding for reducing school violence demonstrates that the governor's office has also provided financial assistance toward this end. At the present time the governor's office provides grants directly to schools and to nonprofit organizations working with schools to reduce violence and improve safety (The New York State Center for School Safety, 2006).

Overall, the research demonstrates that there are a host of possible funding sources. Individuals or schools interested in pursuing these funding sources must be willing to submit grant proposals. Further, school discipline programs in and of themselves do not appear to be solely covered by grant monies. Rather, grant providers are looking for comprehensive safety programs that will provide a safe learning environment for all students, while reducing the threat of violence and student exposure to drug and alcohol use on campus.

References

Ernst, D. (2005). Rockefeller grant to aid small city districts. New York State School Boards Association. Accessed June 28, 2006 at: http://www.nyssba.org/scriptcontent/VA_Custom/News/newspage.cfm?Category_ID=19&Content_ID=4522&showarchive=Yes&itemtitle=Article&Title=News.

Grant Opportunity. (2005). New York State Attorney General. Accessed June 28, 2006 at: http://home.oag.state.ny.us/crime/neighborhood_watch/grant_opps.html.

School Safety Grants. (2006). Grants Office. Accessed June 28, 2006 at: http://schoolsafetygrants.info/.

Subpart 1. (2004). US Department of Education. Accessed June 28, 2006 at: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg52.html.

The New York State Center for School Safety. (2006). Sullivan County Board of Cooperative Educational Services. Accessed June 28, 2006 at: http://www.scboces.org/Programs/Grant%20Funded/nyctrschoolsafety.html.