The school violence events that occurred in the 2006-2007 school year and the March 2009 shooting tragedy in Germany have renewed concerns about schools across the country. The need, therefore, for a book on planning and implementing school safety measures would seem to be vital at this point in time. Reeves, Kanan, and Plog have created just such a guide, providing important information that can help prevent incidents of school violence for all educators involved in crisis prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. The emphasis the authors place on the connection between physical safety efforts and psychological safety efforts make this work even more valuable.This book is divided into three sections: The first discusses systemic factors for establishing a safe school climate. Topics covered include obtaining support from key school and community stakeholders, important legal and governmental guidelines regarding school safety programs, and relevant financial and risk management considerations. The next section addresses physical safety in schools, focusing on establishing a safe learning environment for students through specific preparedness planning efforts; also included is a discussion on the integration of a multi-hazards approach with the more traditional school safety and crisis response approaches. The third and final section covers psychological safety, providing information on prevention and early-intervention strategies, as well as managing risk behaviors of students through established threat and suicide assessment procedures. Case studies will be included where appropriate.An accompanying CD contains resources such as forms, worksheets, monitoring tools, and handouts.
Industry Reviews
This is a very practical, helpful, and comprehensive road map to better ensuring safe and supportive school environments. The authors have effectively translated their many years of practical experience into a book that anyone interested in promoting school safety will find most helpful. It is my sincere hope that all school leaders will read this book. Stephen E. Brock, PhD, NCSP, Professor and Coordinator of the School Psychology Training Program, California State University, Sacramento I have been working in the school crisis and safety field for over 25 years and this is one of the best resources that I have seen. The collective wisdom and experience of the authors and their extensive literature review has provided excellent insight and guidance in the most critical area for schools. I highly recommend all school administrators and support personnel get a copy. Scott Poland, PhD, Associate Professor, Nova Southeastern University; founding member of the National Emergency Assistance Team; former NASP President "!an excellent resource!this book is unique in that all three authors spent time working in the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado either during or immediately after the Columbine shooting and all played a part in establishing crisis plans in light of that tragedy. This book is essential for mapping out a balanced and comprehensive crisis plan that covers prevention, preparedness, response and recovery!.Comprehensive Planning for Safe Learning Environments is a vital read for any administrator or student services staff member concerned with student safety. The authors of this book note that preparing for crises and promoting safe learning environments requires "leadership, commitment, direction and planning." While it is up to the school administrator to provide the former two behaviors, this book practically guides the reader through the latter two, step by step." -- Ashley E. Ausikaitis, Illinois School Psychologists Association "...an excellent resource...this book is unique in that all three authors spent time working in the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado either during or immediately after the Columbine shooting and all played a part in establishing crisis plans in light of that tragedy. This book is essential for mapping out a balanced and comprehensive crisis plan that covers prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery...the CD that comes with the book provides a wealth of guidance toward creating school procedures that student services staff can use immediately. Comprehensive Planning for Safe Learning Environments is a vital read for any administrator or student services staff member concerned with student safety. The authors of this book mote that preparing for crises and promoting safe learning environments requires "leadership, commitment, direction, and planning." While it is up to the school professional to provide the former two behaviors, this book practically guides the reader through the latter two, step by step." - Ashley E. Ausikaitis, in NASP Communique
