Published: February 1, 1996

Home Rule

Eric McKee is midway into a conversation with a visitor when he suddenly stops talking, jumps up from his seat, and grabs a bullhorn. The principal of Willowbrook Middle School in Compton, Calif., is practically out his office door before he explains what's going on. A new period is about to begin, and he's on his way to shepherd students to class as part of the school's new "tardy sweep'' policy.

"Less than a minute,'' barks the principal as he strides down the hallway. "You have less than a minute to get into your classroom.'' One mischievous student breaks into a singsong chant, "Tardy sweeps, I love that, tardy sweeps,'' until he finds himself face to face with McKee. The boy manages a weak smile and darts down the hall.

The sweep proves effective: After the bell rings and teachers shut their classroom doors, only a handful of stragglers remain. They're rounded up and sent to a detainment room. The halls are then silent for the...