This work is a cross-sectional analysis of school disturbance as it has evolved from the inception of schools in colonial America. In their introduction, the authors provide a general overview of American school disturbance, the extent of their disturbances, and possible causes. They then examine the topic in detail, with chapters on disturbances in the Colonial period, the Early National period, the Common School period, the Progressive period, and the Kaleidoscopic period.

By examining how school disturbances relate to social and educational developments, Crews and Counts provide a valuable research and teaching tool for courses in criminal justice foundations, juvenile issues, and educational foundations.