The Online Teacher Resource
- Home >
- Teaching Directory >
- Educational Administrators >
- Violence in Schools >
- The Prevention of School Violence
Email Newsletter
Receive free lesson plans, printables, and worksheets by email:
Graphic Organizers
Great printable graphic organizers for all subjects and Kindergarten through High School teachers!
The Prevention of School Violence
There is no mistaking the fact that the prevention of school violence takes diligence and inclusion from school systems, student bodies, and teachers. In 1994, when the Improving America's School Act was passed, the federal government was quick to issue grants and teacher resources to schools in need. Since this time and the availability of teacher resources, schools nationwide have seen a drastic reduction in violent crimes that occur on school grounds.
The Peaceful School International program has worked hard to bring methods for the prevention of school violence to the classroom. Safe schools are considered those were students, staff, and parents feel safe, valued, and respected. The measures to make schools peaceful were largely integrated from the responses and research by seasoned educators. The first step in preventing school violence is implementing a concise and zero tolerance policy system wide. These policies should be signed by both students and parents and swift action to enforce must be taken in every instance.
The next step in the prevention of school violence is for schools to non-violent seminars during and beyond the classroom. Teacher resources are available for teachers to provide communication skills and non-violent solutions to problems that students face every day. Additionally, lesson plans should be drafted to include tolerance tactics and cultural awareness so that students are able to see through their ethnic differences. School systems and teachers must stress involvement in these programs and allow them to coexist with subjects like math or science and prove not only relevant but also important. Social workers agree that teachers often have the best vantage point for teaching their students about civility and social responsibility even if these subjects are challenged at home. By introducing teacher worksheets and other resources into the classroom and following them up with assemblies about safety and non-violence students are exposed to a well-rounded approach to becoming non-violent.
Many school systems in the United States provide professional training for teachers and reach out through the schools to the community. When the school system offers professional training to staff, they become a stronger unit against crisis situations, racism, and gender issues that may arise at school. Often, teachers interested can find grants for this continued education at http://www2.ed.gov/.
When teaching preventative measures to school violence, schools should utilize models to incorporate drug free schools by educating students about the dangers of alcohol and drugs and the impact they have on violence in schools. Additionally, educators and administration should petition school boards to incorporate safe school strategies into the curriculum at all costs. Staff members should be offered training and school management tactics need to be put into place. Once a zero tolerance program is initiated, school systems experiencing problems with violence should consider utilizing video cameras, voice monitoring devices, metal detectors and other means of protection to show that they remain committed to their stand to violence as well as proactive in ways to stop it.
When students see that school systems are making the prevention of school violence a long-term commitment and are given tools to make changes to their attitudes and behaviors, schools can see a large decrease in violent activities and drug use.