Creating Safe Schools: A Comprehensive Approach

• NCJ Number: 188160
• Journal: Juvenile Justice Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 13-20
• Author(s): Ira Pollack; Carlos Sunderman
• Date Published: June 2001
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This discussion of approaches to enhancing school safety emphasizes the need for broad-based efforts on the part of the entire community, including educators, students, parents, law enforcement agencies, businesses, and faith-based organizations and discusses 10 essential components of safe school planning.

Abstract

Efforts to enhance school safety must involve students at an early age and be reinforced throughout their education. Many risk factors beyond the control of educators affect school safety. However, schools can lessen their impact and avoid exacerbating them. Schools can also enhance protective factors. The National Resource Center for Safe Schools has identified 10 components necessary for creating safe schools. These include creating schoolwide prevention and intervention strategies, developing emergency response planning, and developing school policies and understanding legal considerations. Additional components include creating a positive school climate and culture, implementing ongoing staff development, ensuring quality facilities and technology, and promoting partnerships between the school and law enforcement. Further components include establishing links with mental health and social services, promoting family and community involvement, and acquiring and using resources. It is also important that schools follow a strategic process in designing and implementing a comprehensive plan. The six steps in this process are to develop school-community partnerships, conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, develop a comprehensive school plan, identify strategies and implement programs, conduct an evaluation, and share outcomes and make adjustments. Schools that engage in comprehensive safety planning and implement their plans effectively are more likely than other schools to promote safe settings for their students and teachers. Notes, list of resources, and 3 references