"It was tested on almost 600 kids in a desegregated Indianapolis middle school where there are a lot of aggressive kids," Bosworth says. "Those who used the computer were more aware of their own coping strategies and violence presentation. They also showed a decrease in the belief that violence was a way to solve problems" (quoted in Singer at p. 41).
Peacemakers Program. Violence Prevention for Students in Grades Four through Eight. This program uses role-playing to forge problem-solving, anger management and conflict resolution skills. Fifteen lessons are designed to be taught by teachers and counselors, and there is a computer games component starring an alien in a scenario based on the film it's a Wonderful Life. Unlike similar programs, says Jeremy Shapiro, vice-president of research for Applewood Centers, a non-profit, child-serving agency in northeastern Ohio, Peacemakers "does not assume kids want to learn these skills." Program testing showed a substantial decrease in disciplinary incidents related to aggression and in suspensions for fighting, Shapiro adds. Weinheimer recommends that school administrators should ask whoever is representing the program they're interested in for evidence. "Look for change in behavior or attitude, or issues like school attendance or completion rate," she says. "Where it has been shown to be effective and at what grade level. "Also, they should not be afraid to develop something on their own based on what they know works, because many of the best ways of handling issues match the needs and resources within the local community" (emphasis added) (quoted in Singer at p. 41).
Part II: Review of Safety and Security Plan for a School Corporation.
A review of the school corporation in question's safety plan from the employee handbook reveals a number of shortcomings. The current safety plan is as follows:
It is the responsibility of each employee that all tasks be conducted in a safe and efficient manner complying with all local, state and federal safety and health regulations, programmatic standards, and with any special safety concerns identified by Company XYZ for use in a particular are or with a client.
Although most safety regulations are consistent throughout each department and program, it is the responsibility of the employee to identify and familiarize himself with the Emergency Plan for his working area.
Each facility shall have posted as Emergency Plan detailing procedures in dealing with emergencies such as: (a) fire; (b) weather, and - medical emergency, etc.
It is the responsibility of the employee to complete an "Accident and Incident Report" for each safety and health infraction that occurs by an employee or that an employee witnesses.
Failure to report such an infraction may result in employee disciplinary action, including termination.
Each employee should sign a safety statement during new employee orientation. Furthermore, management requires that every person in the organization assumes the responsibility for individual and organizational safety.
Failure to follow Company XYZ safety and health guidelines or conduct which places the employee, volunteer, client or agency property at risk can lead to employee disciplinary action and/or termination.
The Health and Safety Committee and the Executive Director shall have the responsibility to develop, and authority to implement, the safety and health program in the interest of a safer work environment.
Beyond the foregoing delineated responsibilities, there school corporation also has different codes for emergency situations; for example, Code Red means a complete lock down. Nevertheless, it is clear that there are significant gaps in the foregoing safety plan that require attention. For this purpose, the eight steps developed by Robbins and DeCenzo (2001) provide a useful framework in which to evaluate and identify opportunities for improving the foregoing safety plan. These eight steps and suggested changes to the school corporation in question's safety plan are provided in Table 1 below.
Table 1.
Eight safety steps developed by Robbins and DeCenzo and suggested changes to safety plan.
Step
Recommendations
Step 1. Involve supervisors and employees in the development of a safety and health plan.
The current safety plan indicates that management deems safety and health a priority, but assigns most of the responsibilities for oversight and administration to employees without providing a means by which feedback can be provided and does not currently encourage or solicit such feedback from all the stakeholders involved. For this purpose, it is recommended that the following language be added to statement no. 1 above: "All employees are encouraged to report unsafe working conditions or suggestions for improving existing conditions."
Step No. 2. Hold someone accountable...
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