The overarching goal of schools is to create a safe, supportive environment where students can thrive and learn. This begins with a dedication to students' social and emotional well-being, and effective policies and programs that create a culture of trust. Such a culture provides an optimal learning environment, and is also a proactive step…

A survey of U.S. teens (15,877 middle and high school students) reported that more than one in three students (39 percent of middle schoolers and 26 percent of high schoolers) said that they do not feel safe in schools. Thirty-seven percent of middle school boys and 43 percent of high school boys believed that it was appropriate to hit or threaten…

As school communities become more diverse, making decisions regarding discipline will continue to be difficult. However, providing appropriate discipline for special education students is essential in order to maintain an effective learning climate. This article walks readers through a hypothetical situation in which a principal must make a…

In a university's time of crisis, reporters will often attempt to catch the president and board members in conflicting responses in order to develop a "gotcha" news story. It is important for leaders not to take the bait. In times of crisis, board members and institutional leaders must not only control the message and flow of…

Reports on a study of bullying and other forms of student-caused distress among 836 secondary students in England. Finds students experienced much more peer abuse in secondary schools than in elementary schools. Also finds that males recorded a significantly higher incidence of physical abuse than did females. (CFR)