Reducing Hate Motivated Behaviors

As schools become more diverse, hate and separatism can grow unless strong school-based strategies are in place. Some school campuses mirror prison yards during lunch with ethnic or similar groups clicking together at different areas around the school. Racial epithets can be heard frequently without adult intervention. Focus groups with students indicate that racial divisions are extremely high and common in secondary schools. Some elementary schools are now dealing with the beginning of the development of bigoted behaviors. This session will increase the awareness of how hate develops and grows to acts of violence. Participants will be able to recognize early warning signs, document behaviors and determine whether a hate incident or hate crime has occurred. Research-based programs and efforts to reduce hate motivated behaviors and increase the development of positive culture will be thoroughly covered. Attendees will be able to implement strategies for the whole school and classroom.

Bullying: A Focus on Strategies

Approximately thirty percent of students report bullying on school campuses. Research has shown the negative impact that bullying has on attendance, academics, school attachment and increase violence. This session is designed to assist schools with developing a comprehensive school-wide and classroom strategy to reduce bullying, harassment and victimization. Participants will learn solid research-based strategies including: assessing bullying at the school site, developing strong policies and protocols, how to document bullying, training staff without staff development days, parent awareness and involvement, youth involvement, prevention strategies, intervention approaches and measuring your success. Attendees will be provided with a workbook to assist in further planning and implementation.

Reducing Youth Violence

Reports about youth violence, aggression, fighting and defiance are now common at the primary grade levels. Secondary schools are now seeing uncontrollable rage, anger and severe fighting. Threats against teachers have become almost common place in some areas. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how and why violent and aggressive tendencies develop. Topics will include: early warning signs of potential violence, de-escalation techniques for educators, how to safely intervene in student fights, weapon awareness, gaining control over the school/classroom, building school/classroom culture, parent involvement and youth leadership development. Attendees will be able to immediately implement strategies at their school sites.

Drug Trends: The Impact on School Culture

Drug use is common among youth, regardless of grade level. In the “big picture” of drugs it’s all about money, gangs, and violence. The smaller picture of drugs is about youth, violence, safe schools and effective site schools plans. Participants will gain awareness and knowledge of youth drug trends and the bigger picture of the role of drugs in our society. Current information and research on prevention, intervention, and treatment will be addressed as it relates to a comprehensive safe schools plan. Participants will leave with the foundation of a plan that will meet the requirements of a comprehensive safe schools plan pursuant to Ed. Code 32280. This workshop series is excellent for teachers, counselors, social workers, administrators, school nurses, law enforcement, probation officers, school resource officers, community groups and agencies, after-school staff, and parents.