Safety Policies and Procedures in Schools

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Introduction

Violence in schools has become a growing epidemic. Hearing of a school shooting where students are gunned down for no apparent reason is a reminder of the seemly increasing national problem of school violence. Dewey Cornell (2010) a clinical psychologist and education professor at the University of Virginia suggest that school shooting in “Columbine High School in Colorado and Virginia Tech has reinforced a perception that schools can be dangerous places” (p.1). Yet, there has been a downward trend in school violence over the past several years. According to the CDC (2010) violent deaths at school among students has “accounted for less than 1% of the homicides and suicides among children ages 5-18” (p.2). Many factors can influence or trigger violent behavior, and certain risk factors make students more susceptible to violence such as “limited or diminished economic opportunities, low income, lack of education, social rejections by peers, bullying, poor academic performance” (CDC, 2010, p.1). Research shows that many students feel unsafe at school, and feeling safe at school is associated with academic performance (Pearson, Muller & Wilkinson, 2007). Students who felt less connected to the school and or community did not perform as well academically and were poorly prepared for college. (Pearson, Muller & Wilkinson, 2007). In addition, studies indicates students who are harassment at school was linked to lower academic achievement almost half a grade lower than students who were less often harassed (Clark & Russell, 2009).

Objective

An analysis of schools safety polices and procedure for building a positive climate and culture, and maintaining safety in an emergency or crisis situation. The studies sugge...

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...states require school districts and administrators to develop and maintain a comprehensive written safety plan or manual. The safety manual provides guidelines and instructional information necessary for comprehensive plans, procedures and mechanisms for responding to emergencies and crises (NJDOE, 2004). The key to maintaining a safe school environment is coordinated planning that result in a comprehensive emergency and crisis management plan for the district and its schools. These plans should include clear policies, an ongoing collaborative planning, prevention, intervention strategies and programs, preparedness procedures, communications, roles, responsibilities, and crisis response plans. The planning process is essential for an effective plan. (NJDOE, 2004). A comprehensive collaboration between school and community is necessary in the planning stages.

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