NCJ Number
199507
Date Published
September 2002
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This guide is intended to put the issue of school-wide violence prevention in context for educators and outline an approach for choosing and creating effective prevention programs.
Abstract
Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff members in today’s schools is a daunting task that requires a comprehensive approach. To assist schools in their safety efforts, the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) developed a series of eight guidebooks intended to build a foundation of information that will assist schools and school districts in developing safe learning environments. This first guide in the series attempts to put the issue of school-wide violence prevention in perspective for educators and assists in outlining an approach for choosing and creating effective prevention programs. The guide covers the following areas: (1) why school-wide prevention strategies are critical; (2) what is a safe school; (3) four sources of vulnerability to school violence; (4) how to plan for strategies that meet school safety needs; (5) five effective response strategies; and (6) useful Web and print resources. School-wide prevention programs mesh with the overall mission of schooling in promoting academic excellence, socialization, citizenship, and youth away from antisocial behavior. References and resources