Giving Compass' Take:

· A recent report shows that more students in New York City schools are reporting bullying, raising skepticism of Mayor Bill de Blasio's discipline reforms. Chalkbeat discusses the claims of this report and possible causes behind the spike.

· The information in the report comes from a survey of students that recently changed wording. If the survey wasn't consistent with pervious forms, is the collected data comparable to previous years?

· Read more about bullying complaints in New York City schools.

More New York City students say there is bullying in their schools, states a recently released report. The findings also revealed that many schools reporting the greatest number of violent incidents on campus have no social workers on staff.

The report was commissioned by New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Stringer also released an audit of how school safety matters are recorded, and concluded that the education department should provide more oversight and streamline incident reporting rules.

“The audit found clear breakdowns in communication in the reporting and tracking of incidents and actions taken,” according to a press release from Stringer’s office.

The education department disputed some of the comptroller’s findings, and in a written statement, spokeswoman Miranda Barbot wrote: “We have detailed protocols in place to ensure allegations of bullying are immediately reported, investigated and addressed, and are investing in both anti-bullying initiatives and mental health supports.”

But the pair of reports raises scrutiny of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s school discipline reforms, which favor  “restorative” practices that emphasize mediation over punishment, and make it harder to suspend students.

Advocates of the de Blasio reforms say the shift is necessary because black and Hispanic students are more likely to be arrested or disciplined at school. Research has shown such disciplinary action can lead to higher dropout rates. Critics of the reforms, meanwhile, say the changes have created more chaotic schools.

Read the full article about school bullying by Christina Veiga at Chalkbeat.