School Violence :

Student Violence in America's Schools Grade 6 to 12 - New York Times- 7275

The New York Times Learning Network has brought together a number of resources on school violence. Although the site does not include any coverage of the 2006 Amish school shooting, there are contemporary Times reports of a number of other high-profile cases of school violence. The reports are coupled with several lesson plans designed to help students talk about these issues, as well as resources to help teachers plan effective discussions on school violence.

In the Classroom: Teachers cannot ignore the issues of school violence, nor hope they can avoid questions from students. The issue is not whether they should talk about it with students, but how they can do it most effectively and honestly. These lesson plans and resources can help teachers feel prepared, either for a planned discussion, or for the spur-of-the-moment question that becomes a teachable moment.

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Crisis Management Institute Downloads Grade K to 12 - Cheri Lovre- Crisis Management Institute- 9788

This collection of downloadable, printable pdfs covers a wide range of topics for managing crisis and traumatic experiences among children and teens. The Crisis Management Institute provides fee-based training and support services for schools, but they offer these downloads for free, as long as users abide by copyright restrictions in printing them exactly as-is and NOT excerpting or adapting content. The downloads are written for different audiences: teachers, parents, administrators, and counselors, and cover many topics of school violence, terrorism, grief, trauma, suicide, school crisis management, Hurricane aftermath, helping displaced students, and more. There are several printables on 9/11 and handling the anniversaries of this traumatic day. The printable section is searchable, as well.

In the Classroom: When you need this information you usually need it quickly, so all teachers and administrators will want to mark this resource in your favorites and tell your colleagues about it. Familiarize yourself with what is available here, then be sure to share the information with colleagues and parents when/if an incident throws your school into crisis.

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"Teachable Moment" Lesson on School Safety Grade K to 12 - NASP- 6998

This lesson summary provides ways to help children of all ages deal with frightening news about school violence. Use these ideas on those terrible occasions when the students simply need to talk. The National Association of School Psychologists provides this "teachable moment" strategy to help.

In the Classroom: Share this with your principal and fellow teachers when you know students are in need.

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Threat Assessment Center Grade 1 to 12 - US Secret Service- 4404

It’s an imposing name for a site about violence in schools. This site seeks to de-bunk many of the myths about the frequency and origins of school violence. It makes the point that cultivating trust between students and adults is the single most important factor in heading off potentially violent situations.

In the Classroom: This is the sort of solution to which every teacher can contribute.

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PTSD: Coping After a Crisis Grade K to 12 - NASP- 8073

The National Association of School Psychologists offers this resource for helping recognize and deal with post traumatic stress disorder. In today's world of school violence, suicides, weather emergencies, war, and disasters, school professionals need information to help them help their students (and peers) in the aftermath of the unthinkable. TeachersFirst hopes you will never need this resource, but it is a must-read for anyone who might someday face crisis.

In the Classroom: Administrators, guidance counselors, and teacher leaders will want to keep this one in their favorite "just in case."

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Center for the Prevention of School Violence Grade 1 to 12 - - 2055

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Constitutional Rights Foundation Lesson Plans Grade 9 to 12 - - 1625

This is a collection of lesson plans and discussion suggestions for topics ranging from impeachment to school violence. Each presents linkages to underlying constitutional issues and principles.

In the Classroom: The lessons could be used for in-class discussion or as the basis for a written project.

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Bullying - How to Help the Victim Grade 1 to 5 - Boys Town- 1463

In the Classroom: Tips for parents on strategies to counter bullying.

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Traumatized children: Tips for Parents and Educators Grade K to 12 - Stephen E. Brock, PhD, NASP- 8077

Parents and educators can find valuable information on helping students handle traumatic situations, both close by and in the media, by reading this article offered by the National Association of School Psychologists. Requires Acrobat Reader. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

In the Classroom: Share this article with colleagues and parents at times of crisis.

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Talking to Children About Violence Grade K to 12 - TeachersAndFamilies with NASP- 8076

Every parent and teacher should know how to act and react when instances of violence enter into your students' lives, either up close or through the media. This article provides general information and Talk Time ideas and activities to facilitate the dialog, including ideas for different age levels. Printable versions are also included for you to send home (Require Acrobat Reader. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.).

In the Classroom: Share this link on your teacher web page for parents or share the printables with your teaching colleagues or in a newsletter home to parents, especially in times of crisis.

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Tips for School Administrators for Reinforcing School Safety Grade K to 12 - NASP- 8075

Though titled for administrators, this article is a must-read for all education professionals interested in making their schools safe and secure. There are ideas for planning, communication, parent information, and general security that should be automatic in every school.

In the Classroom: Share this with your building faculty, perhaps at a meeting so you can all be on the "same page." There is a printable version available for download (Acrobat file)so you can include it with your agenda.

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Safe Schools and Springtime Stress: Prevention Issues Grade K to 12 - Scott Poland, EdD, NCSP, NASP- 8074

This offering from the National Association of School Psychologists provides prevention ideas to avoid crisis at times of stress, such as spring. The article points out the stressors, both real and perceived, that occur in te spring of the school year and outlines strategies schools can take to prevent problems for mushrooming for students and staff.

In the Classroom: Education professionals should read this brief article for proactive strategies that could head off serious situations. Perhaps a faculty meeting should follow with discussion of specific ideas for implementation in your school. Share this with your teachers/administrator.

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Why Violence? Grade 1 to 12 - University of Wisconsin- 1870

This short page from The Why Files at the University of Wisconsin may be helpful for teachers or students dealing with violence - or the fear of violence - in schools.

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