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Anti-bullying programs that work

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In the previous column, I concluded that bullying, and now cyberbullying, are two of the most challenging problems facing education. Standards, testing, assessments and evaluations are all important. But something else comes first: Unless students feel secure, learning and achievement cannot be maximized.

As I also said, we already know that there is a serious problem; talking about it is not enough. Instead, in this series I am going to share anti-bulling programs that school systems have found effective, with the hope that they can be replicated by other districts experiencing a problem. As I’ll keep saying, why re-invent the wheel? Share what works — and learn from one another.

I explained that I have grouped these “programs that work” into 10 broad categories. We’ll begin this time with district policies and school rules, as well as why peer mediation is to be avoided.

1 — What the district must do: It starts at the top. A zero tolerance policy must be developed. Once formulated, it has to be widely promulgated — and be unmistakable, with no grey areas. It is to be followed and enforced, with no exceptions — non-negotiable, with no compromises. Violations are not up for discussion. Punishments, stated in the policy, must be swift and automatic. These are called “decision rules” among educators.

“Automatic” is the operative word. I’ve used the term “robotic justice” in the past; this is a perfect example. Do “A” — then “B” follows. The district’s attorney should review the policy and the punishments for violators as to their legality and appropriateness. A school’s parent advisory group and/or its shared decision-making (a.k.a. school improvement) team should be consulted as well.

Once developed, this policy must be made clear to faculty, staff, students and parents. There is no margin for error or room for misinterpretation. To confirm their receipt and understanding of this policy, parents in some districts are required to sign contracts indicating their knowledge as well as their understanding of the rules-- and what happens if they are broken. I think that this is an excellent procedure to follow.

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