h a n d b o o k o f s c h o o l v i o l e n c e.

Some Thoughts About Contributors to the Handbook

The individuals who contributed chapters to this Handbook include a variety of new scholars, joining a few of us who have been around a long time and who have a history of writing about topics related to school violence. Why did I choose these new scholars to contribute to this book? As is true with many creative endeavors, this book evolved from a series of fortunate accidents. As editor of the Journal of School Violence, I have had Internet contact with experts throughout the world, many of them veteran thinkers and writers on violence in schools and elsewhere. These experts have built a growing body of literature that invites new and creative thought from people whose scholarly careers are just beginning to take shape and who have lengthy futures ahead for creative thinking and for conducting studies of school violence. These new scholars are confronted with special challenges as they think about integrating the study of school violence into their careers, challenges that sharpen their work and make them particularly valuable contributors to this Handbook. These new scholars must find ways for their research efforts to add value and make a difference to the citizens and donors who support their institutions.

In spite of - - or perhaps because of - - new challenges, emerging scholars bring to the study of school violence a kind of uncharted energy. One of them wrote to me: “I feel really good about the chapter - - I think it may be the best thing I've ever written, at least it is what I am most proud of.” Another wrote: “I really owe you a note of thanks for suggesting this chapter. In wrestling with this chapter I have been forced to think through my theories and ideas at a much higher level than I have to this point, and I think that this process is taking me to a whole new level in my research and thinking.” Still another wrote: “I am interested in doing a follow up/long term study on my topic - - do you have any suggestions for such a project? I envision something that includes photos as I have many from the last five years. I have the connections to develop a big project.”

As someone who is at the “beginning of the end” of his academic career, I enjoy collaborating with scientists, artists, and pioneers whose ideas are newly forming and are apparently unfettered. Those of us who have been around for a while know our limits too well and need to be energized by explorers who have learned, as yet, only a few limits to creative ventures.