2007 Report on Act 117 of 2004: An Act Relating to Bullying Prevention Policies
This is a follow-up to the 2005 report to the House and Senate Committees on Education regarding the programs used by some schools that address incidents of bullying. Using the department's model discipline plan as a guide, schools have developed reporting procedures, trained staff and students, and employed a variety of prevention-oriented strategies.
Building Effective Strategies for Teaching (BEST) Students with Behavioral Challenges (Pyramid of School Discipline)
This publication outlines and describes the components of a comprehensive system of school discipline that is necessary for ensuring safety, a positive climate, the opportunity to learn and teach, and the social/emotional growth of students.
The Bullying and Harassment Paradox (Updated 6/17/10)
Yes, we’d prefer not having bullying and harassment in our schools, but what if we treated such incidents as opportunities to teach and learn sorely needed contemporary skills? And, what if these skills were readily available in the relationship toolbox of students, teachers, parents, administrators and board members, so that your school became a community of “no bystanders?” “Restorative practices” is an asymmetric tool that the department is encouraging schools to explore. It is compatible with a portfolio of social skills-based strategies that schools consider using, e.g., Responsive Classroom, Positive Behavior Support, Second Step, etc. Use the link above to view an article that outlines a framework for using “restorative practices” that indicated how it might be used at all levels of education and the behavioral as well as academic performance benefits that are invariable benefits. NOTE: A number of schools have already contacted the International Institute for Restorative Practices to initiate professional development training during the summer of 2010.
Contact: Charles Johnson, Safe Schools Consultant, at (802) 828-0371 or charles.johnson@state.vt.us
Bullying Incidents Data Gathering
School districts are required to collect data on the number of reported incidents of bullying and the number of incidents that have been verified and to make such data available to the Commissioner of Education and to the public. This document provides clarifying information for using the Combined Incidence Reporting Software (CIRS) to collect bullying data.
A Guide to Positive School Discipline (2006)
This document is a comprehensive resource for fulfilling the school quality standard which states: “Each school shall maintain a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment, which is free from hazing, harassment and bullying and based on sound instructional and classroom management practices and clear discipline and attendance policies that are consistently and effectively enforced”. The document synthesizes several previously published resource materials aimed at helping schools strengthen their approaches to discipline and school climate. Strategies and resources pertaining to the prevention of and response to bullying and harassment are also provided for school staff, students and parents. NOTE: The size of this file is 500K.
Guidelines for Discipline Plan Development
Act 113 requires each Vermont school to develop and implement a school discipline plan. This model plan is a revision of materials originally made available to superintendents, principals, independent school headmasters and school board chairs in December 2001. The new version strengthens the guidance provided by previous materials, particularly in the area of implementation, with an emphasis on promoting prevention efforts, positive approaches to discipline and family-centered practices.
Hazing & Harassment Complaints Reported by Vermont Schools
The department collects statewide hazing, harassment and bullying data from all public schools as required under 16 V.S.A. §164. Statewide statistics from 2001 to the present can be found at this link. Individual school data may be obtained by contacting the school directly. NOTE: This update includes data for the 2006-2007 school year.
NOTE: The data for the 2003-2004 school year is presented with and without the "other" category. Legally, harassment must be based on a protected category (i.e., sex, sexual orientation, etc.). Many schools wanted to report forms of harassment that were included in their local policy but not covered by state law. The "other" category was created for this purpose. Many of these other forms of harassment were bullying and can now be reported as bullying.
HIV/AIDS Prevention Education for Vermont Youth Needs Assessment Project
Conducted in three phases, this project outlines the results of interviews and focus groups with youth service providers, school administrators, educators and youth from around the state. The reports highlight findings in a variety of HIV/AIDS-related areas.
Preventing and Responding to School Disruption and Violence
This publication provides information and resources pertaining to effective practices for creating a well disciplined school, planning professional development opportunities for working with disruptive and violent students, using time out and planning rooms, and preventing and responding to gangs and gang like activities.
Racial Harassment in Vermont Public Schools: A Progress Report (2003) (PDF)
This report, produced by the Vermont Advisory Committee to the United States Civil Rights Commission, is a follow-up to the original report released in 1999. The purpose of this progress report is to "(1) inform the public, state officials, and civil rights advocates of the continuing problem of racism in Vermont; (2) identify current efforts to address racial harassment and racism in the state; and (3) identify successful exemplary programs and their components that could be replicated and expanded."
Survey Gathered on Hazing, Harassment, Bullying, Suicide and Substance Abuse Prevention Training by the Vermont Department of Education (July 2007)
This document contains a list of organizations and individuals who provided hazing, harassment, bullying, suicide prevention and substance abuse prevention training during the 2006-2007 school year as reported by Vermont public school principals (required by Act 182, sec. 27).
Vermont School Crisis Guide for 2008 (Revised)
The Vermont School Crisis Guide is designed to help schools develop their comprehensive emergency plan as required by State Board of Education regulations. The guide has also been designed to record vital information during and after a crisis. The document is intended for use by school leaders and emergency service providers. It may be freely copied and distributed to anyone involved with planning and implementing school safety drills. NOTE: Various additions were made to this document in 2008. New pages are dated in the "bookmarks" section of the PDF document. Use the link above to access the revised PDF document.
- View a School Safety Review Checklist intended for use by school personnel to annually review the safety of school facilities and school safety procedures.
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