Twenty-sixth International Conference on Learning

Abstract

The issues of school safety are an area of thought, concern and practice for school leaders. There is agreement among educators, parents and the public that when school doors open, all stakeholders must be in a safe learning environment. School leaders must be proactive in planning and supporting all stakeholders in being safe, so that learning can occur. Collaborating with police authorities, having plans for various types of school events, and communicating those plans effectively to all stakeholders, can result in outcomes that are more positive should a traumatic event occur. School leaders must be prepared and be able to educate others through a balanced approach to school safety. Developing school-community partnerships to enhance school safety measures and provide preparedness training, review communication systems within the school district and with community members, implement violence prevention programs are tasks that leaders must facilitate. Developing an interdisciplinary approach that includes administration, faculty, parents, students, and community partners requires a new collaborative approach with educators, administrators, social workers, health and mental health professionals, criminal justice officials, religious leaders, and our business community. This presentation will enable participants to address their needs in Prek-12 school settings, and identify systemic approaches to all aspects of school safety. Successful approaches to addressing this issue will be discussed and shared with participants.