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School Security FundamentalsHOW CAN ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS BE CHANGED TO MAKE SCHOOLS SAFER?Identifying potentially violent students and intervening before serious problems erupt has become a high priority. The Department of Education and Department of Justice have developed Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools (Dwyer and others 1998) to help schools recognize danger signs and take proactive steps. The guide describes typical characteristics of children who later behave violently, signs that may immediately precede a deadly outburst, and effective intervention strategies. Helping staff, students, and parents to become more aware of these warning signs-and then to report them, either directly to school staff or via anonymous "hot lines"-may prevent future tragedies. Beware of stigmatizing students who seem to fit a standardized profile, however. Educators must consider warning signs in context, avoid stereotyping and labeling, and keep concerns confidential (Dwyer). Well-communicated, consistently enforced discipline policies with specific rules and consequences are the foundation of a positive school climate. All students should be treated respectfully to avoid creating resentment among individuals or subgroups. Walker notes that smaller schools, which provide a more intimate atmosphere and a greater sense of belonging, have fewer behavior problems than large schools. School officials should encourage staff members to form positive relationships with students. "Research shows that a positive relationship with an adult who is available to provide support when needed is one of the most critical factors in preventing student violence," Dwyer and others report. Positive attitudes and behavior among students can be fostered by teaching prosocial skills and anger management, and by peer mediation and conflict-resolution programs (Hamby, HADG, Dwyer).
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