Recommendations to School Administrators
A solid policy is only effective if it is put into practice. In this section you will find a well-researched set of recommendations for school administrators that set policy into action within each and every school building and
Recommendations to School Administrators
A solid policy is only effective if it is put into practice. In this section you will find a well-researched set of recommendations for school administrators that set policy into action within each and every school building and system in order to measurably improve school climate and reduce bullying and harassment.
After three years of bringing training experts in the field of bullying and harassment, civil rights, gender aggression, research and evaluation together culminating in a pilot project supported with one-time funds through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant and Children’s Cabinet, eight (8) Core Elements were identified and proposed as the combined elements required for successful systems change at the local school level.
Critical Elements of a Recommended Approach to Create and Ensure
Safe, Fair, Healthy and Responsive Maine Schools
With each school in the K-12 system:
- Conduct an initial assessment of policy (checklist), procedures, and student and staff perceptions of school climate, culture, and behavior.
- Establish and support an internal school leadership team including the principal and high-level administrators as key advocates and participants.
- Provide opportunities for involvement of parents and community.
- Share and interpret assessment findings.
- Develop a comprehensive school plan and choose training and technical assistance approaches based on issues identified through the assessment. The plan must include meaningful youth involvement.
- Establish and implement procedures based on policies that assure safe, fair, responsive schools.
- Provide ongoing training for all staff and the necessary technical assistance to support and institutionalize a sustained school-wide effort.
- Conduct ongoing evaluation to assess progress, achievements, and to provide feedback for adjustments to the school plan.