Safe Schools Resources
School safety is a critical issue facing classrooms and schools throughout Pennsylvania and the United States. PSEA provides members with research and information on school safety issues, and how to promote school safety.
Safe Schools are:
- Orderly, purposeful places where students and staff are free to learn and teach without threats of physical or psychological harm.
- Characterized by sensitivity and respect for all individuals.
- Environments of non-violence with clear expectations of appropriate behavior.
- Buildings with clear, proactive security procedures and established emergency response plans.
- Clean, well-maintained environments.
PSEA Safe Schools Panel Discussion
A recent PSEA Safe Schools presentation included James A. Monk, Ed.D., and education consultant with Frontline Associates, Inc., and Lori Tedesco Singley, M.Ed., CPS, LCADC, the director of EDUCARE.
Monk began the discussion by comparing safety concerns from 25 years ago against those from today. While in the early 1980s, teachers' main concerns included class cutting, lavatory smoking, graffiti and other similar problems, teachers today cite threatened or acted out violence, bullying and intimidation, blatant disrespect for other students and teachers and other similar problems as their most serious concerns. Monk stressed that in these times of shifting concerns, cooperation between teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and the community is essential to maintaining safe schools.
Two resources, “Ten Essential Elements to Examine to Enhance School Safety” and a “Weekly Safety Assessment” were given to members at the session.
Lori Tedesco Singley presented research on elementary and middle school students’ attitudes toward violence in their communities. She stressed the importance of “changing the norm” - that educators and education professionals need to prevent violence and address potential problems, but that we must also change students’ attitudes about violence in schools and communities through a variety of programs and strategies.