Blue Ribbon Task Force on Bullying

1. Blue Ribbon Task Force on Bullying Co-Chairpersons Dr. Rick Ginsberg, Dean of the KU School of Education James Regier, Superintendent of Whitewater-Remington Public Schools SETS Team | Kansas State Department of Education | Landon State Office Building 900 SW Jackson St., Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66612 |785-296-4941 | mmelton@ksde.org

2. Background • Announced on March 12, 2019 • Data cited that 28% of students in grades 6 – 12 experience bullying • Commissioner Watson reports bullying as a frequent concern brought to him by parents and educators • Current bullying efforts are acknowledged, but they have not fully succeeded in eradicating bullying

3. Task Force Membership • 35 task force members, plus 4 KSDE support staff • Groups represented include: • State Board of Education • Legislators • Attorney General’s Office • KASB • District/building leaders, teachers, school counselors and school psychologists • Parents • Private school administration • Higher education

4. Task Force Goals and Objectives • Research and identify current bullying definition, trends, incidents, and prevention measures across the state. • Coordinate with stakeholders to address relevant issues effectively, to best meet the needs of students. • Review work in the areas of SEL as set for by the State Board goals, identifying possible avenues that could reduce and prevent bullying and cyber bullying.

5. Goals and Objectives continued • Review current statutes, regulations and policy to determine need for change. • Present a report at the December Kansas State Board of Education meeting, including recommendations to address bullying, cyber bullying, prevention and training measures.

6. Statewide Listening Tour • May 28th, Clearwater • June 18th, Garden City • August 5th, Salina • September 25th, Girard • October 30th, Wichita • November 6th, Lawrence

7. Task Force Work Groups • Data and Research • Current Evidence-Based Practices • Policy/Practice/Accountability • Barriers and Solutions • Cultural Awareness • Writing Committee

8. Common Themes • Increased emphasis on social-emotional learning • Restorative practices • Supports for school mental health • Meaningful family engagement • Increased understanding of high risk groups

9. Kansans Can Integrated Learning Process A Whole Child Process

11. Regional Trainings • Integrating Social-Emotional Growth, School Mental Health, MTSS, Kansas Can Competency Instruction, and Family Engagement • 427 participants • 118 USD’s and 7 private schools/districts • 5 community mental health centers • TASN evaluation to inform future professional development efforts

12. Myron Melton, Consultant Special Education and Title Services Team Kansas State Department of Education 785-296-4941 mmelton@ksde.org The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:  KSDE General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, KSDE, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66612, (785) 296-3204