The program should be designed to serve the specific student population in the school. Determine the similarities and differences between the referral schools and one's own. Ask how well students in the referral schools have accepted the program, what the program has done for the schools, and what difficulties occurred during program implementation. Ask the professionals in these institutions for their perspectives on the programs. Specialists in state education agencies who track curricula may also be a source of reliable program appraisals.
School violence is systemic and stretches beyond the schoolyard.
That's all the more reason to contact other institutions, Lumbley says. With such alliances and a proven, appropriate program, educators can better assure that students are safe. For more information, and to order copies of the sources cited in this article, contact the publishers. Research Raises Troubling Questions about Violence Prevention Programs. An Empirical Review of the Field.