School Violence and Bullying: New Research Perspectives
April 21, 2010
School Violence and Bullying: New Research Perspectives
A special issue of Educational Researcher highlights new research on school safety and violence prevention. According to guest editors, Matthew Mayer and Dewey Cornell, “Despite increased attention in recent years to more rigorous standards for evidence-based practice, local leaders and school practitioners often rely on personal beliefs and anecdotal evidence when selecting interventions. Simplistic solutions such as zero tolerance policies, although emotionally appealing, have done little to ameliorate school safety threats and can actually increase student misbehavior and dropout rates…” The journal articles call for shifting from single-focus responses such as zero-tolerance policies and school suspensions to multi-faceted strategies that improve school climate, teach students positive behaviors, and help students manage their own emotions. See Educational Researcher Vol. 39, No. 1 (January/February 2010) at http://er.aera.net