EBD Blog

In November of 2006 a group of organizations and individuals concerned about violence in schools and interested in advocating for children—the National Consortium of School Violence Prevention Researchers and Practitioners (NCSVPRP)—developed and endorsed a statement about shootings in schools. As indicated in part of the statement, these folks are promoting sensible and evidence-based approaches to preventing school violence.

Many of us feel compelled to do something in response to these tragedies to assert a commitment to protect children. We all share a common priority: Keeping our children safe while at school. In spite of these recent violent incidents, school remains the safest environment for our children–far more violence occurs at home and in the community than at school. While schools are relatively safe places, we can make them safer without compromising the primary mission of education. We believe that research supports a thoughtful approach to safer schools, guided by four key elements: Balance, Communication, Connectedness, and Support.

Link to the NCSVPRP site. Downloadable PDF of the statement. This statement put me in remembrance mode. In the early 90s Jim Kauffman and a few others developed a statement about violence that merits a reprise. So, here’s the link for that as PDF or HTML.