Four district-level recommendations for improving school safety and student well-being regardless of position on the spectrum¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Based on the case study and similar research, Ed Trust recommends four steps for any school or district: "Provide clear messaging to principals and school staff on existing policies, including detailed guidance and support in implementing recent policy changes"; seek deeper engagement with students and families in decision-making, such as structured partnerships or a diversely-represented family and student advisory group; strengthen adults' capacity to build relationships and foster belonging through professional development on bias, asset-based lenses, and restorative practices; and hire staff who support well-being beyond physical security, such as counselors and restorative justice coordinators.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Sustained, intentional action by district and school leaders, since shifting mindsets and building skills 'take time to learn' and cannot happen overnight

Constraints¶

• The report notes reforms require thoughtful consideration to gain buy-in from all stakeholders and ensure fidelity of implementation

Target Learners¶

• students in urban districts, particularly Black, Latino, and low-income students disproportionately affected by negative school climates

Target Learning Goals¶

• student safety, well-being, and sense of belonging in school

Affordances¶

• Five Type School Safety Spectrum

Related Strategies¶

• Invest in supportive-community strategies—mental health staffing, SEL, restorative practices, and relationship-centered structures—rather than expanded physical security

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Duchesneau, N., & Zapata, M. (2023). Creating Safer Schools: A Case Study. The Education Trust. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED641760