AU College of Education Dean Richard Kunkel described Watts' work as vital to the college's goals in that area. We believe this program is on the front edge of a very important topic. Watts said part of the instruction focuses on identifying the subtle, often overlooked forms of violence that start in the early grades, he said. When teachers recognize and prevent bullying, stereotyping, name-calling and ostracization in the early grades, they can reduce the risk of violent behavior in the higher grades. He noted that students who took part in the most recent school shooting sprees had a history of being victims and outcasts within their schools.
Early intervention is one of our primary tools.