Making Your School Safe

In this practical manual, the authors demonstrate the important relationship between social emotional and ethical education and school safety. They combine traditional crisis management and emergency planning with all of the principles that have become the cornerstones of the field of evidence-based, social emotional learning and character education. Featuring real-life examples and best practices, they cover widespread concerns, ranging from student behavioral issues such as bullying and social exclusion to gang-related violence and other tragic events. This essential resource will help schools be proactive in preventing tragedies, as well as effectively reactive when they occur.

Book Features:

• Integrates social and emotional learning and character education into the school safety and crisis preparedness planning process.
• Provides clear guidelines that can be applied by teachers, administrators, parents, security personnel, social workers, and counselors.
• Acknowledges the roles of all participants in the school community to create and sustain a safe learning environment.

John Devine is the director of the School Safety Project at the Center for Social and Emotional Education in New York. Jonathan Cohen is the co-founder and president of the Center for Social and Emotional Education. He is also adjunct professor at Teachers College, Columbia University and City University of New York.

“This book will make you think, feel, and act in ways that are likely to improve the conditions of the school you are in.”
— From the Foreword by Maurice Elias, Rutgers University, co-author of Emotionally Intelligent Parenting

“I strongly recommend this book to all who care about the well-being of children and the future of our society.”
Nicholas M. Michelli, Presidential Professor in Urban Education, City University of New York

"I hope that this important book will be read, and its lessons applied, by school boards, teachers, administrators, politicians, voters, and parents across the country."
James Gilligan, M.D., author of Violence: Reflections on a National Epidemic and Preventing Violence

“A wonderful tool….Devine and Cohen give educators clear direction on what to do about creating the climate and teaching the skills that promote safe and successful students and schools!”
Merle Schwartz, Director of Education and Research, Character Education Partnership

“A much-needed look at the broader context of social emotional development in considering practical approaches to ensure our children's safety, growth, and learning.”
Steven Marans, Director, National Center for Children Exposed to Violence, and Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychiatry, Yale University Child Study Center