NCJ Number
172337
Date Published
1998
Length
60 pages
Annotation
This guide assesses prevention programs for general classroom populations, based on the view that effective violence prevention strategies can promote good school discipline and create a productive learning environment for students.
Abstract
The guide is based on a comprehensive review of the prevention literature on violence, juvenile delinquency, and substance abuse. It also incorporates interviews with violence prevention experts who have identified the following critical elements of violence prevention: (1) activities designed to foster school norms against violence, aggression, and bullying; (2) skills training based on a strong theoretical foundation; (3) comprehensive, multifaceted approach that includes family, peers, media, and community; (4) physical and administrative changes to promote a positive school climate; (5) interactive teaching; (6) developmentally tailored interventions; (7) culturally sensitive material; and (8) teacher training. The guide describes promising violence prevention approaches and identifies steps in the development of effective violence prevention strategies based on needs assessment, policy formulation, and environmental design. Program assessments are categorized as normative change, life skills violence prevention, and peer mediation programs for elementary, middle, and high school levels. 47 references