Many of these policies offer punishment without supportive counseling and alternative programs for suspended or expelled students. The times in which we live and the volatility of school violence dictate that more must be done to maintain a safe learning climate. Students should be encouraged to confide in trusted adults within the school community. Adults cannot do it alone. School boards should develop non-punitive policies that encourage student to come forth whenever and wherever they have knowledge of a potential act of violence.
Safe schools are more than schools that are free from violent incidents.
Principals should ensure a positive school climate, in which each student is engaged and inspired to achieve to the highest academic levels. Schools, and in particular high schools, must personalize the school experience for each student. Positive school climates must ensure that every student is well known by at least one adult in the school. In order to create such an environment, fundamental changes must occur in our schools. Large schools should break into units of no more than 600 students so that faculty and students can get to know each other better.