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October 3, 2006
Recent school shootings prompt schools to re-examine violence preventionThe three school shootings in the past week have educators, students, and school officials on edge and wondering what can be done to curb violence and deal with the tragedies. Both the New York Times and USA Today have articles that don't merely cover the tragic events, but also analyze security and student fears. And this morning the Bush administration announced that it would hold a conference to address school violence.
The New York Times article examines schools' efforts to re-examine and tighten security in the wake of the attacks in Wisconsin, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. The article notes, "Some school administrators and security experts said that they were worried about a new pattern of violence for which schools were not well prepared— outside adults with grudges or suicidal urges entering schools — and that news coverage could inspire more crimes," and goes on to say, "Psychological training and increased security that many schools instituted after the killing of 13 people in 1999 at Columbine High School in Colorado have given teachers and principals new tools and insights to spot potential trouble, the experts said. News organizations, some scholars say, have recently given somewhat less prominence to school violence as it has become less novel, a trend that could also reduce the likelihood of mimic attacks."
USA Today examines how the shootings may affect students emotionally. "School safety experts say that the first order of business in classrooms across the nation today should be to take the psychological pulse of children." The article points out that even students not directly involved in the tragedy may be affected and that the stress and fear of the shootings might "stir up a memory from a child's past." However, the article stops short of suggestions for educators or parents for dealing with these stresses.
CNN.com is reporting that, "The Bush administration, alarmed by recent attacks at public schools across the country, is bringing education and law enforcement experts together for a conference on coming to grips with the problem." Which BoardBuzz finds interesting, because yesterday the AP reported that federal funding for a grant program aimed at preventing school violence and substance abuse have been dropping since 2001, and the administration has gone so far as to recommend cutting the program altogether. The article does note that "The Office of Management and Budget rated the program as ineffective several years ago. Evidence did not show the program was changing students' behavior to reduce violence and substance abuse."
Bush's proposed conference will aim to "discuss the nature of the problem and federal action that can help communities prevent violence and deal with its aftermath." It will include representatives from PTA, education, and law enforcement groups.
Posted October 3, 2006 3:15 PM | School Safety
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Comments(1)
Posted by: cbgaloot on October 16, 2006 4:45 PM
Here's a possible solution
A course, called Critical Incident Response teachs some possible responses to school shooter part of it involves students throwing objects and then rushing and tackling a gunman. It might be one answer to reducing the number of deaths at least. Better than hiding under your desk waiting for the police to save you.
Read more and see the video here.
Burleson Schools Training To Defend Against Gunmen
My comments here
http://www.givemetheinfo.com/blog/blogger.html
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