This document presents the text of a hearing on violence in U.S. schools. Opening statements and remarks by Representatives Jose E. Serrano , Nita M. Lowey, and Major R. Owens are presented. Serrano's opening statement notes that the focus of the hearing is on the roots and probable causes of violence; prevention through teaching of alternate methods of conflict resolution; and the federal role in providing the necessary assistance to local school districts in the prevention and reduction of school violence. Statements and/or prepared materials by the following persons are included: (1) Honorable David N. Dinkins, Mayor of the City of New York; (2) Joseph Fernandez, Chancellor, New York City Public Schools, Brooklyn, New York; (3) Fernando Ferrer, Bronx Borough President; (4) Arnold Goldstein, Special Education and Rehabilitation, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York; (5) Frank Melia, Principal, Christopher Columbus High School, Bronx, New York; and (6) Rey Ramos, student, and Rafael Toro, teacher, James Monroe High School, Bronx, New York. (ABL)

These hearing transcripts present testimony concerning the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESA) Act, which since 1965 has provided the bulk of federal aid to elementary and secondary schools and related programs. Much of the testimony was from New York education officials, school administrators, community leaders, parents, and other interested individuals who voiced opinions about the efficacy of specific programs and activities funded by the ESA Act, particularly those items that they would like to see expanded or improved. Testimony was heard from: (1) Assistant Commissioner for Nonpublic School Services, New York State Education Department for the New York State Commissioner of Education; (2) two school district superintendents; (3) the president of a local branch of the United Federation of Teachers; (4) the president of a New York City business-school partnership; (5) the chancellor of the New York City Board of Education; (6) the president of a school parents' organization; (7) the president of the School of Visual Arts; (8) the executive director of the New York State Mentoring Program on behalf of the chairperson of the New York State Mentoring Program; and (9) the executive director of the Education Priorities Panel. Following the testimonies are prepared statements, letters, and supplemental materials. (MDM)