NCJ Number
156265
Date Published
1994
Length
48 pages
Annotation
The West Virginia Department of Education (DOE) recognizes the need of students, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel to have an orderly, safe, and stimulating educational environment and believes that promoting a safe learning environment requires a comprehensive program supported by the school organization, parents, and the community.
Abstract
Beginning in January 1994, the DOE sponsored nine Safe Schools Summits. The purpose was to help students take responsibility for their school environments by creating and implementing customized action plans. These summits responded to school official concerns over violence and safety and served as a forum for discussion among students, educators, and community leaders. Summit participants met for a day in small and large groups to discuss violence and other forms of aggressive behavior, possible solutions, and action plans for individual schools. To ensure a safe learning environment in schools, the DOE offers conflict resolution and peer mediation, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, responsible students, and student assistance programs. A profile of West Virginia's Safe Schools Initiative is presented that focuses on risk factors for violent behavior, juvenile crime, vandalism in schools, dysfunctional families, and violence prevention. Additional information on DOE officials responsible for school safety, the Safe Schools Summits, and regional educational service agencies in West Virginia is appended. 8 references, 1 table, 2 figures, and 2 photographs