A safe environment is a prerequisite for productive learning. Using a unique panel data set of survey responses from New York City middle school students, the article provides insight into the relationship between feelings of safety in the classroom and academic achievement. The survey data include the reported feelings of safety for more than…

This report uses statistics to examine current conditions and changes over time in education activities and outcomes for different racial/ethnic groups in the United States. This report shows that over time, students in the racial/ethnic groups of White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska…

Educators, mental-health officials, and law-enforcement officers often do not share information about troubled students because they are confused by what they can disclose under complex and overlapping privacy laws, according to a report on the Virginia Tech shootings. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and two other Bush cabinet secretaries…

Describes how to assess and manage student threats. Includes a set of questions administrators should ask to help them assess threats. (PKP)

When the alarm clock rings in the morning, the school fundraiser is not the first thing on a principal's mind. He or she is more likely to be thinking about such high-priority concerns as instructional leadership, communication, student interaction, school safety, and community relations. But as school budgets get squeezed, principals find…

Offers superintendents several suggestions for helping building-level administrators to cope with the physical and psychological stress they often experience following a violent incident in their schools. (PKP)

Because public school teachers increasingly are being sued for failure to perform their duties adequately, teacher preparation programs should include coursework in school law as a preventive measure. Some cases are discussed and recommendations are made. (MT)

Discusses (1) types of fires; (2) how to extinguish them; (3) how to use a hand-held fire extinguisher; and (4) what to do in case of fires in schools. (JN)

A Connecticut district's stringent asbestos removal and testing program is described, which applies a modified National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health-Occupational Safety and Health Administration (NIOSH-OSHA) test as a standard of acceptable removal. (MJL)

International data suggests that the most successful violence prevention programs are adapted to fit a specific school site and involve all of the constituents in a school setting. In contrast to many of the popular skills-based programs that are commonly implemented in schools across the United States, the authors explore the utility of combining…

Reviews some essential aspects of school safety planning. Discusses general evaluation objectives and assessment procedures, as well as a safe school planning process. Offers specific guidelines for handling violent incidents at school. Presents 25 preventive security measures that will help to lessen chances of violence occurring on campus.…

Focuses on a critical redefinition of the future school counselor as leader in promoting educational reform and meeting national and state educational objectives inclusive of creating healthy, safe school environments. Proposes that school counselors should play a major role in facilitating and leading interagency and interdisciplinary…

Reports results of a study identifying effective behaviors for preventing technology accidents, and ineffective behaviors that cause technology accidents in the schools. Offers technology use guidelines for principals and for school media specialists to promote the safe use of technology. (SR)

Describes a press conference that was used as a "teachable moment" when owl pellets being used for instructional purposes were found to be contaminated with Salmonella. The incident highlighted the need for safe handling of owl pellets, having a crisis management plan, and the importance of conveying accurate information to concerned parents.…

Argues that educational partnerships need to reflect not only collaboration among service institutions and providers, but also an actual integration of basic services. Suggests that a collaborative, integrated, service-delivery system should be the primary basis for allocating new resources to school and community efforts to enhance the safety and…