The quality of the school environment. It can include the safety and discipline practices of the school, the organizational structure of the school, the quality of relationships between teachers and students, the perceived fairness of discipline practices and enforcement, and the level of trust among the school community.
Published in Chapter:
Building Stronger Connections Among Students, Families, and Schools to Promote School Safety
Monica Bixby Radu (Southeast Missouri State University, USA),
Kristen N. Sobba (Southeast Missouri State University, USA), Sarah A. Kuborn (Southeast Missouri State University, USA), and Brenda Prochaska (Lake Erie College, USA)
Copyright: © 2022
|Pages: 14
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-5200-1.ch001
Abstract
Safe schools help promote positive social, academic, and educational outcomes. Research consistently suggests that students tend to be most successful in schools where they feel safe. For example, prior literature establishes that when students attend safe schools, they are more likely to graduate from high school compared to students who attend schools with behavioral problems or safety concerns. Over the last three decades, school shootings have garnered increased public attention, and the public has a heightened awareness that not all schools are safe environments for students. Drawing from ecological systems theory, this chapter will examine how the bonds between students and their schools are important for creating a school culture that is safe, inclusive, and supports the success of all students. Bridging social capital between families and schools also helps foster a safe school atmosphere, where students can focus on their academic and social development.