It used to be a gentlemanly fight. Nowadays, you kick 'em when they're down. He speaks for many educators across the state. Even some districts showing an overall decrease in violence say the intensity of violent incidents is higher today than 10 years ago. In Prosser, school superintendent Ray Tolcacher won't readmit students who were kicked out for making a threat until they've taken an anger management course and obtained a letter from a certified professional saying the student poses no harm.
Some schools report a decrease in fighting.
They attribute it to peer mediation or other safety measures. The smallest districts in the state say their size gives them an edge. Some aren't sure how to explain their good news. Educators point out that violence in the schools reflects violence in the community. A few generations ago, schools were a sacred space.