Safe and Supportive Schools

Students are more likely to thrive academically – as well as socially and emotionally – in schools they experience as safe and supportive. A synthesis of the research suggests that four elements are essential to creating and maintaining safe and supportive places of learning:

1. A supportive learning community, including challenging curriculum respectful relationships, and student participation and leadership;
2. Systematic approaches to supporting safety and positive behavior, including schoolwide approaches, orderly classrooms and a continuum of supports for students in need;
3. Involvement of family, students, school staff and the community; and
4. Standards and measures to support continuous improvement based on data.

The Alliance calls on educators and policymakers to recognize the vital connection between academic success and safe and supportive school communities.

Alliance Publications on Safe and Supportive Schools

The Alliance publication Every Child Learning: Safe and Supportive Schools (PDF, 6500Kb) offers concrete recommendations for creating safe and supportive learning environments in classrooms, schools, and school districts.

Stories about Safe and Supportive Schools on Public School Insights (2008)

This new Learning First Alliance website offers accounts of what is working in public schools and districts across the country. Click here for stories about schools and districts that are creating safe and supportive environments for their students.

LFA Member Organization Resources on School Safety

New! School Crisis Guide: National Education Association Health Information Network
Schools and districts can use this step-by-step Crisis Guide to prepare for, respond appropriately to, and help students and teachers recover after a crisis. Created by educators for educators, this guide aims to keep schools safe and help students return to learning after a crisis.

School and Community Safety Site: National Education Association
The NEA Health Information Network offers resources and pursues projects on many aspects of school safety, including gun safety, bullying, and harassment.

Discipline and School Safety: The American Federation of Teachers
The AFT describes seven essential elements to ensure school safety and order, along with resources to help schools implement these elements.

School Shooting Resources: American School Counselor Association
ASCA has gathered resources on how to help children in times of tragedy.

Bill Bond, First Responder: National Association of Secondary School Principals
NASSP’s Specialist for School Safety Bill Bond coaches principals through the tragedy of school violence.

Safe and Nurturing Environments: National Parent Teacher Association
The National PTA has put together background information on school safety issues such as bullying and anti-social behavior.