According to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, close to 16 students are murdered at U.S. schools each year. Read more in this story.

The study shows that 116 deaths occurred from July 1999 through June 2006. From July 1994 to June 1999, which included the shooting spree at Columbine High School in April 1999, there were 172.

The CDC counted murders of students that occurred at elementary, middle or high schools; during school-sponsored trips; or while students were on their way to or from school.

Researchers don’t know what led to the drop, but they suspect that the decrease might have to do with violence prevention measures.

Are you surprised by these findings? What do you think has contributed to the drop?