This text examines the negative practices of schools which are resulting in school systems failing students. Such practices include intrusive authoritarian administrative structures and procedures; inappropriate discipline; unrealistic expectations; and placid exceptance of exclusionary practices. Indeed, educational systemic violence includes any practice or procedure that prevents students from learning, thus harming them.

Taking a close look at ways in which current social problems may be a result of, or even supported by, compulsory schooling, the contributors to this volume consider whether or not schools contribute to the violence amongst modern young people.