Conclusion

Although most schools are safe, they all can be safer. Improving school safety requires the strategic investment of time and dollars--scarce resources for which there are competing demands. Fortunately, schools that strategically coordinate schoolwide efforts are more likely to improve academic performance as well as reduce behavior problems.

This Action Guide builds upon the Early Warning Guide. It provides a comprehensive model that can lead to safer schools. The model incorporates prevention, early intervention, and intensive interventions in a manner that will help schools improve long-term academic, behavioral, social, and emotional outcomes for all students and their families. The Action Guide identifies mechanisms for implementing the plan (the Schoolwide Team and the Student Support Team) and also describes the processes that these teams can employ to improve school safety.

Finally, the guide provides information about technical assistance centers and evidence-based resources that schools can draw upon to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the particular needs and builds upon the strengths of their school and their community.

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