It is essential that a common understanding and definition be created to help the discussion surrounding school safety and school violence. The definition needs to encompass more subtle infractions such as name calling, bullying, harassment, etc. The National School Safety Center classifies "SCHOOL SAFETY" as incorporating personal safety, physical safety, social, cultural and political safety as well as the "community will", or the overarching safety of the community. Factors that impact these safe areas include drug activity, gangs, weapons on campus, non-students on or about campus, school curriculum, parental/community involvement, interagency networking and support, environmental design of the school campus, school climate, and school leadership.

A campus that is safe and free from violence has some essential components. These include respect and sensitivity for cultural diversity, a non-violent environment, clear behavior expectations (for students and staff), well-articulated disciplinary policies which are consistently and fairly enforced, support and recognition for positive behavior, and orderly and purposeful activity.

What's New:

Alaska Education Plan: Student Health & Safety
The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (EED) is in the process of implementing recommendations from the Student Health and Safety section of the Alaska Education Plan, the state’s first blueprint for public education.  Actions steps from the plan will result in students having access to safe schools, where they develop healthy and safe practices for life. 

The department is utilizing resources and recommendations from many sources to design the implementation for the actions steps identified by the public at the November 2008 Education Summit, including recommendations from: the December 2008 Health Summit Partnerships Group; the School Health and Safety Education Plan Working Group; the Alaska Student Health & Safety Advisory Committee; and the Alaska School Health Interagency Team.

To view the action steps and accomplishments, click here.

School Safety Topics:

• Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying - AS 14.33.200-14.33.250
• Persistently Dangerous Schools
• School Crisis Response Planning - AS 14.33.100
• School Disciplinary and Safety Program - AS 14.33.110-14.33.140
• Title IV, Part A: Safe & Drug-Free Schools

School Safety Resources:

• National Resource Center for Safe Schools
• The National Mental Health & Education Center for Children and Families - Safe School Resources
• National Association of School Psychologists - National Emergency Assistance Team
• Safety and Security Information for Administrators, Resource Officers, etc.
• U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
• 2009 Alaska Statewide Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Results

Updated 06/10/11