Researchers have used numerous research strategies in an effort to understand and potentially curb violence and drug use. One such approach, which considers school violence from a social learning perspective and examines it as a result of the interaction between environmental events and personal/psychological factors, is presented in this research review. Variables which may predict violence in schools are isolated and violence was operationalized in terms of being attacked at school and avoiding certain places in school. Substance abuse was operationalized in terms of students' perceptions of substance abuse in school. Analysis of research literature indicates that older students reported higher levels of substance abuse, but lower incidents of violence than did younger students. Income, gender, and ethnicity were not strong predictors of any of the outcomes. The perceived presence of weapons in school was related to avoiding certain "dangerous" places in school and the perceived presence of weapons is not a strong predictor of actually being attacked or of perceived drug usage. The perception of rules as being inefficacious was related to more incidences of being attacked, and greater perceptions of substance abuse at school. A model of violence prevention is presented. Contains approximately 80 references. (RJM)