Colorado schools and communities should look at the 30 Blueprints and Promising Programs of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and other innovative promising programs, for implementation in their schools if the school safety assessment identifies issues that can be addressed by those programs. When new, innovative programs are implemented, they must be evaluated for effectiveness. Colorado should undertake a review of existing drug prevention programs for youth, and develop recommendations to make changes and implement only programs that have proven demonstrated results in reducing the onset of drug usage. Currently, three males are involved in aggravated assaults for every female. Marijuana use remains high and has not declined since 1993.
Character education teaches respect for others and for oneself.
There is a need in our schools for us to teach respect for one another. Character education is one approach to accomplish that objective. The focus on youth violence provides Colorado with a unique opportunity to address the challenge of violence facing our communities and to make our schools safer. Our focus is on solutions and prevention, addressing the core issues that lead to very serious problems. Safe schools are welcoming places where teachers can teach and students can learn without fear or intimidation.