Phila. Cracks Down on Assaults by Students

Violent incidents against teachers prompt new policies.

A recent wave of violence in Philadelphia public schools has left several teachers injured, led to dozens of student arrests and expulsions, and prompted a crackdown on student offenders.

Paul G. Vallas, the chief executive officer of the district, has announced that students 10 years or older who assault teachers or other school employees will receive automatic 10-day suspensions, pending expulsion to an alternative school. Offenders, he said, will be charged with aggravated assault, a felony.

And, amid growing complaints that some principals do not report every violent incident, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s safe schools advocate this month set up a hotline for teachers...