ARE WE DOING ENOUGH?

School shootings have left deep scars in our nation. The apparent random nature of these highly publicized shootings has raised public fears to epidemic proportions. According to polls, more than 50% of parents with children in grades K-12 and 75% of secondary school students now think that a school shooting could occur in their community.

Schools are taking a variety of measures to improve school safety. These include the use of metal detectors, the presence of security guards on campus, rules and regulations regarding student conduct and dress, profiling of potentially violent students, anti-bullying instructional programs, and counseling and mediation. Which of these approaches work? Which will reduce the incidence of violence in our schools and alleviate the fears of parents and children? How can school and district administrators choose among the myriad possibilities, and how can they know where to allocate precious resources given that funding is scarce?

Research has shown that the role of technology in keeping schools safe is effective in many districts. We have also learned that some experts have stressed the importance of non-technological approaches. By and large, both approaches can foster positive school environments: Students and staff have strong and trusting relationships with each other, students are engaged and enthusiastic about learning, and a system is set up to handle disciplinary infractions justly and fairly.

While the research is far from conclusive, it suggests that schools need to carefully invest in school safety technology and begin to examine further non-technology initiatives. Moreover, if investments are made in technology alone without taking into consideration school environments, and how engaged and welcomed students feel in their classrooms, the ongoing question is this: “Is the U.S. doing enough to keep its students safe?” The response is likely to be a resounding “no.”

POS examines the literature and policies regarding these programs to determine best practices for individual districts regarding exploring and evaluating what is being deemed effective.