Preventing School Violence

Preventing School Violence What is my role as an educator?

Introduction

Background and History • Two Perspectives: • Outside (researchers and media) • 1980’s: war on drugs • Gun Free School Act (GFSA) • Zero Tolerance policy • Inside (teachers, students, administration • Violence in urban areas stereotyped as “normal” by administrationand some teachers • Teachers fear of neighborhood prevents field trips, after school activities, and from being more involved • Teachersafraid of stopping fights • Students feel more safe in their home; view violence as “normal”

Current Research

School and Community Responsibility

Teacher Responsibility

Conclusion • As educators, we can help minimize violence in schools by knowing how to answer these two questions: • What is my role as an educator? • Becoming aware and being prepared • No matter where you are, there will be some type of issues with violence – are you aware of the problems in your school and prepared to address them? • Working with Administration • Being willing to contribute new ideas and methods of dealing with violence • Bridging gap between school and community • Understanding the unique and challenging situations of your students • How should violence in schools be approached? • Administration, teachers, community must work together • Cooperative effort • Many different angles: • Physical safety of building • Improving community • Political/Social issues: funding, overcrowding, gun regulations

Bibliography

Preventing School Violence