Resources for Safe and Respectful Schools

This website is designed to provide schools and communities with links to useful information and resources. While no school can guarantee complete safety for its students and staff, much can be done to prevent violent school crises from occurring and prepare for response to/recovery from critical incidents.

Safe and Respectful Schools Webcast Series

Wisconsin Act 309, which became law in 2010, requires the Department of Public Instruction, as well as public school districts throughout Wisconsin, to take action to keep schools and students safe. The following webcasts provide descriptions of the various requirements of Act 309, as well as resources available to Wisconsin educators and school administrators, to assist in reaching full compliance.

Safe and Respectful Schools: Policy on Bullying

Safe and Respectful Schools: Education Lessons on Bullying Prevention

Safe & Respectful Schools: Sharing Information Among Schools, Law Enforcement, and District Attorneys

Model Program for Bullying Prevention

Wisconsin Act 309, which became law in 2010, requires the Department of Public Instruction to develop, and post on its website, a model program designed to prevent bullying. Classroom activities for students in grades 3-8 are included in the 88 page printable document, Bullying Prevention Program. In addition to the classroom activities and teacher guidelines, there are policy guidelines, and an executive summary of the evaluation of the program.

DPI Model School Policy on Bullying by Pupils

2009 Wisconsin Act 309 requires the Department of Public Instruction to develop a model school policy on bullying by pupils. By August 15, 2010, each school board shall adopt a policy prohibiting bullying by pupils. The school board may adopt this policy, and is required to distribute the policy annually to all pupils enrolled in the school district and to their parents or guardians. The school board is to provide a copy of the policy to any person who requests it.

The policy is available here: Model School Policy on Bullying by Pupils.

Practical Information on Crisis Planning

The following phases address the major components of good crisis planning. Crisis plans need to be developed and customized to meet local needs. Resources are provided for each phase to assist communities and school districts in the planning process.

Mitigation & Prevention – what can be done to reduce or eliminate risk to life and property
Preparedness – the process of planning a response for critical incidents
Response – steps to take during a crisis
Recovery – how to restore the learning and teaching environment after a crisis
Comprehensive Guides

Safe School Webcast Series
The Department of Public Instruction has produced a number of web-based presentations on best practices in school safety and youth violence prevention. To select these archived presentations for viewing at your convenience, click the Safe School Webcast Series link above and then select the webcast you wish to view.

Additional Presentations

Violence Prevention Program Assessment Tool

This assessment tool is designed to assist middle and high schools identify gaps and strengths in their violence prevention program. The indicators within the assessment are recognized as Best Practices in the area of school violence prevention and contain six components: School Environment, Curriculum and Instruction, Student Programs, Pupil Services, Adult Programs, and Family and Community.

Consultation and Assistance

Department of Public Instruction Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Staff
Center for School, Youth and Citizen Preparedness
CESA Staff
Local Wisconsin School District Safety Coordinators
National School Safety Center
Wisconsin Association of School Boards (policy services)
Wisconsin School Safety Coordinators Association (WSSCA)

Additional Web Sites

Bullying Prevention Policy Guidelines, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, 2007
Cyber Bullying
DPI Bullying Prevention Curriculum
Bullying in Schools
Pandemic Flu, DPI
Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (CSPV)
Injury and Violence (including suicide)
Keep Schools Safe (National Association of Attorneys General and National School Boards Association)
Northwest regional Education Laboratory, "The SafetyZone"
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools
Emergency Planning, U.S. Dept. of Education
U.S. Department of Education, Bullying prevention
U.S. Department of Education, School Safety
Emergency Response and Crisis Management (TA) Center
Massachusetts Department of Education - Model Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
Wisconsin Association of School Boards - sample anti-bullying policies from Wisconsin school districts
Bullying Prevention and Response/Federal Resources on Bullying

Funding

For questions about this information, contact Joan G. Lerman (608) 266-2829

Last updated on 2/2/2012 2:30:17 PM