ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) today released a new chapter in its acclaimed Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn series of policy guides that addresses safety and violence prevention in and around schools.
Developed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the need for specific policies on these issues is omnipresent, as often seen in news stories from across the country.
While establishing “safe and healthy schools” is clearly a goal everyone can agree on, developing and implementing the policies and strategies needed to create these havens for learning has historically been more problematic. As covered in Policies to Promote Safety and Prevent Violence, these havens do not end at the school walls, but rightly extend to playgrounds, school buses, and walking routes.
“Research has been very clear that students cannot be expected to achieve in school if they are concerned for their safety in, around, or on their way to and from school,” said NASBE Executive DirectorJim Kohlmoos. “A safe school environment means so many things, from eliminating material hazards to mitigating bullying. Developing policies that establish and maintain safe schools is essential to helping our students achieve success in academics and in life.”
Policies to Promote Safety and Prevent Violence is a vital tool for education leaders and staff at every level, rich with recent scientific data, analysis, examples of state and local best practices, and evidence-based model policies that can be adapted by schools, districts, and states. The chapter covers a wide array of topics, including comprehensive planning, safety inspections and maintenance, school security, safe routes to school and driver education, anti-bullying strategies, health and safety education, and preventing athletic injuries.
Publication of Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn was made possible with support from the CDC. For more information about how to order this chapter and for downloads, go to www.nasbe.org/fhrtl.
The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. NASBE exists to strengthen State Boards as the preeminent educational policymaking bodies for citizens and students. For more, visit www.nasbe.org.
