Walker,
H. M., Irvin, L. K., & Sprague, J. R. (1997). Violence Prevention
and School Safety: Issues, Problems, Approaches, and Recommended
Solutions. Oregon School Study Council Bulletin , 41 (1), Fall.
Abstract
This document addresses the twin issues of youth violence and school
safety. Violence from the larger society has spilled over into our
schools in ways that can make them unsafe, and school safety has
emerged as a pressing concern of public schools. Violence within the
context of schooling is expressed in extreme forms of reactive and
proactive aggression, antisocial behavior patterns and
oppositional-defiant behavior. Schools are highly vulnerable to the
damaging effects of these student behaviors and often must take radical
steps to prevent, control and offset their toxic effects.
Herein, we deal with key issues, problems, approaches and recommended
solutions to these challenges to the schooling process. In addition, we
recommend additional resources to establish and maintain a safe school
environment and teach all students how to resolve conflicts peacefully,
express empathy, develop friendships and positive relationships with
others, regulate one's behavior and accept the consequences of one's
actions. It is essential that schools take steps to address two key
goals in making the school safe: 1) to insure that the physical
facility is designed appropriately and that the school environment is
supervised carefully and 2) to establish a safe, positive, inclusive
and academically effective school environment. Achievement of these two
goals will make it possible for schools to again become safe havens in
which to teach and socialize our children.
