With violence in schools and neighboring communities on the rise, many schools, especially in urban areas, are wondering what they can do to reduce violent crime. A document from the Regional Laboratory for Educational Improvement of the Northeast and Islands provides a wealth of ideas.
Educators ought to consider peer counseling, mediation, and conflict resolution programs.
For example, Wilson cites an elementary school that's having students mediate conflicts between other students. Train teachers to recognize the signs of students' stress and trauma that often precede violence. Training is particularly important since these symptoms aren't always obvious, explains Wilson. Once teachers notice stress and trauma, ties with community medical and mental health facilities can ensure they'll make appropriate referrals. Create teacher support groups or refer teachers to general assistance centers to work through the stress of confronting violence.