Groups encourage School Safety Commission to build on consensus around evidence-based policies and best practices.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reston, VA–The author organizations of the Framework for Safe and Successful Schools have released a series of new resources as supplements to the Framework. The resources are intended to advance the adoption of the Framework in states and districts across the country and to aid the Federal Commission on School Safety in accelerating its work.

The supplemental resources consist of Considerations and Action Steps for Implementing the Framework, Policy Recommendations for Implementing the Framework for Safe and Successful Schools, and a tool for Assessing the Safety of the School Environment Using the Framework.

The author organizations–American School Counselor Association, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of School Resource Officers, National Association of Secondary School Principals, and School Social Work Association of America–led the 2013 development of the Framework, which represents the consensus on effective school safety policies and practices and is endorsed by more than 100 school-based organizations and experts who are responsible for this work daily. In joining the author group on the supplements, National PTA adds the critical parent voice.

Although schools remain one of the safest places for children, it is imperative that educators and policymakers stay focused on evidence-based comprehensive school safety efforts. This includes balancing physical and psychological safety; using reasonable building security measures; implementing multi-tiered systems of support; establishing an appropriately trained school crisis team; addressing the mental health needs of students and staff; and employing positive, effective discipline. Recognizing the urgency to safeguard students in schools, Congress incorporated much of the Framework guidance in the reauthorization of the Every Student Succeeds Act, including the need for relevant staffing and services in Title IV-Part A.

“We strongly urge the Federal Commission on School Safety to incorporate the framework recommendations into its final guidance report,” said John Kelly, PhD, President of the National Association of School Psychologists, who led the development of the Framework. “Now is the time to build on this consensus, move beyond the soundbite distractions and efforts that would overly ‘harden’ schools, and focus on what we know works to improve safety and student well-being.”

The author organizations are committed to working with federal and state policymakers to provide the resources necessary to move forward on implementing the Framework in school districts across the country.

For more information, visit www.nasponline.org/schoolsafetyframework