Kelly L. Gould

Poor academic performance has been directly linked to delinquent behavior; there is general consensus that students who are chronic underachievers in school are most likely to be delinquent. Research
commonly finds that school
failure is a stronger
predictor of delinquency
than many personal
variables such as class,
race or ethnic background.

Linking Delinquency Theory and Education

The Choice View

Linking Delinquency Theory and Education

Does School Failure Cause Delinquency or
Does Delinquency Cause School Failure?

Authorities and researchers are unsure of the direction of the relationship. Some views suggest:

That school experience is a direct cause of delinquent behavior because those who fail feel frustration, anger and rejection.

That school failure leads to psychological and behavioral dysfunction, which are the actual causes of antisocial behavior and delinquency.

That school failure and delinquency share a common cause; they are all part of the problem behavior syndrome (PBS).

Correlates of School Failure

Delinquents may have lower IQs than nondelinquents, a factor that might also explain their poor academic achievement

Delinquent behavior has also been associated with a turbulent family life, a condition that most likely leads to academic underachievement

Delinquency has been associated with low self-control and impulsivity, traits that also may produce school failure

The adolescent who both fails at school and engages in delinquency may be experiences drug use, depression, malnutrition, abuse, and disease all symptoms of a generally troubled life-style.

Cause of School Failure –
Important Factors

Some of today’s school failures may be explained by the class-based nature of schools and programs.

Cause of School Failure –
Important Factors

Some children may have limited academic goals and may not be affected by failure in a dysfunctional way.

Cause of School Failure –
Important Factors

The Effects of Tracking

Cause of School Failure –
Important Factors

Cause of School Failure –
Important Factors

Sources of Alienation

Cause of School Failure –
Important Factors

School Climate

School climate has been related to crime and disorder in schools. "School climate" generally refers to a broad range of concepts which include the culture of the school, how the school is structured and administered, its design and its rule structure

Cause of School Failure –
Important Factors

Dropping Out

Drug use and delinquency are related to dropping out of school.

School Crime Victimization

Factors Linked to Children Who Engage in Serious School Violence

Bullying in School

Substance Abuse

Teens are more likely to encounter drugs at school than in their neighborhood

More high school students have witnessed drugs sales at school School has as powerful an influence on substance abuse as the family

Who Commits
School Crime?

Schools experiencing crime and drug abuse may be suffering from social disorganization.

School crime and disruption are functions of the community in which the school is located.

Would it be futile to attempt to eliminate school crime without considering the impact prevention efforts would have on the community?

Legal Rights Within The School

The U.S. Supreme Court has sought to balance the civil liberties of students with the school’s mandate to provide a reasonable and safe educational environment. Cases have involved

School attendance

Free Speech

School prayer

School discipline

Right to personal privacy

Drug testing

School Based Prevention Programs:
Prevalent Strategies