Member-only story

School of Errors: Rethinking School Safety in America

Dion Reed

·18k Followers· Follow

Published in David P Perrodin

5 min read

355 View Claps

27 Respond

Save

Listen

In the wake of countless school shootings and other tragic incidents, the United States has grappled with the urgent need to address school safety. However, many of the current approaches have proven ineffective and even harmful, exacerbating the very problems they aim to solve. This article will expose the systemic flaws in our nation's school safety measures and propose evidence-based solutions for a more effective and equitable approach.

School of Errors: Rethinking School Safety in America

by David P. Perrodin

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6571 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	204 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Zero Tolerance Policies: A Recipe for Disaster

One of the most prevalent but misguided school safety practices is the implementation of "zero tolerance" policies. These policies mandate harsh and often arbitrary punishments for even minor infractions, with the belief that such strictness will deter future misbehavior. However, research consistently shows that zero tolerance policies have a disproportionate impact on students from marginalized communities, including students of color and students with disabilities.

Instead of promoting safety, zero tolerance policies create a climate of fear and distrust within schools. Students who fear being punished for minor offenses are less likely to report bullying or other serious safety concerns. Moreover, the punitive nature of these policies can lead to a school-to-prison pipeline, where students are pushed out of classrooms and into the juvenile justice system for nonviolent offenses.

Restorative Justice: A Path to Healing and Transformation

In contrast to the harmful effects of zero tolerance policies, restorative justice practices offer a promising alternative for addressing school safety concerns. Restorative justice is a collaborative process that focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships, rather than simply punishing wrongng. It involves bringing together the victim, the offender, and their supporters to facilitate a dialogue about the incident and its impact.

Research has shown that restorative justice practices can effectively reduce suspensions and other exclusionary measures, while also improving school climate and promoting a sense of community. By empowering students to take responsibility for their actions and fostering empathy and understanding, restorative justice creates a more positive and supportive learning environment.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Prevention at its Core

Another evidence-based approach to school safety is Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS is a comprehensive framework that focuses on promoting positive student behavior through proactive interventions and rewards. It involves establishing clear expectations, teaching students appropriate behaviors, and providing consistent support for students who struggle with behavioral challenges.

PBIS has been shown to reduce disruptive behavior, improve attendance, and increase academic achievement. By creating a positive and supportive school environment, PBIS helps to prevent the escalation of minor problems into more serious safety concerns. It also provides a proactive approach to addressing behavioral issues, rather than relying on reactive measures such as suspensions or expulsions.

Trauma-Informed Practices: Addressing the Root Causes of Violence

Many students who engage in disruptive or violent behavior have experienced trauma in their lives, such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. Traditional school safety measures often fail to address the underlying trauma that may be driving these behaviors. Trauma-informed practices, on the other hand, recognize the impact of trauma on student behavior and create a supportive and responsive environment.

Trauma-informed practices involve building relationships with students, providing a safe and predictable environment, and offering opportunities for students to process their experiences and develop coping mechanisms. By addressing the root causes of violence, trauma-informed practices can help to create a more equitable and supportive school environment for all students.

The current state of school safety in America is a testament to the failure of our traditional approaches. Zero tolerance policies, exclusionary disciplinary practices, and a lack of trauma-informed practices have created a system that is harmful, ineffective, and inequitable. By embracing evidence-based solutions such as restorative justice, PBIS, and trauma-informed practices, we can create schools that are truly safe and supportive for all students.

Rethinking school safety requires a fundamental shift in our thinking. It means moving away from punitive measures that alienate and exclude students, and towards approaches that promote healing, restoration, and prevention. It also means addressing the systemic inequalities that contribute to school violence and creating a more equitable and just education system for all.

By investing in evidence-based school safety measures, we can create a future where every student feels safe, respected, and empowered to succeed.

School of Errors: Rethinking School Safety in America

by David P. Perrodin

4.9 out of 5