DALLAS (AP) - The statewide number of reported weapons incidents in schools has fallen 35 percent over the last six years, which education officials attribute to better safety measures.
The Dallas Morning News reports that school districts reported 798 weapons incidents to the state during the 2011-12 year. In 2005-06, that figure was 1,219.
School districts are required to report any time a student was removed from the classroom for at least one day due to a weapons incident.
There was a slight decrease from last year to this year, although firearm incidents increased from 113 to 123.
Texas Education Agency spokeswoman Debbie Ratcliffe says districts have more metal detectors, armed security and improved safety measures overall.
Dallas schools deputy police chief Gary Hodges says students are also more observant of classmates.
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