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What's New - April 2006
Safe and Caring Schools "Promising Practices"
Background
Alberta Education's Safe and Caring Schools (SACS) Initiative (see http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/safeschools) was launched in 1996 in response to two provincial forums on school violence.
The Alberta School Act was subsequently amended in June 1999 to include a section on safe and caring schools. Section 45(8) reads
"A board shall ensure that each student enrolled in a school operated by the board is provided a safe and caring environment that fosters and maintains respectful and responsible behaviours".
The Ministerial Order #016/97 Teaching Quality Standard Applicable to the Provision of Basic Education in Alberta (May 14, 1997) (see http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/educationguide/pol-plan/polregs/adobe/421.pdf) states the knowledge, skills and attributes expected of teachers with respect to ensuring a safe and caring learning environment for all students (i.e., 2. g, h; 3. b, f, and j).
The Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12 (September 2005) (see p 147 http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/educationguide/pdf_files/handbook.pdf) provides information about how Special Programs Branch, Alberta Education works with clients, stakeholders and other branches in Alberta Education to support schools in developing safe and caring environments.
The SACS Initiative also led to further research, and the development of resources, preventative programs, and workshops, all of which are being used by Alberta schools to support efforts to encourage and promote safe and caring learning environments.
Examples of promising practices that have resulted from the SACS Initiative as well as the research, resources and professional development opportunities available to support these efforts are described below.
Alberta Education - RESEARCH
© Government of Alberta 2006
http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/safeschools/research.asp
Research conducted by the Faculties of Education at the Universities of Alberta, Calgary and Lethbridge led to the publishing of the book Building Foundations for Safe and Caring Schools: Research on Disruptive Behaviour and Violence (1999). This collection of readings describes the nature and extent of disruptive behavior and violence in Alberta schools as well as provides insights into the social, psychological and personal dimensions of disruption and violence in school settings. This book also provides a foundation for the development of proactive solutions to the problems facing teachers and administrators in schools today. This resource is available through the Learning Resources Centre (LRC): LRC Order #399932.
Alberta Education - RESOURCES
© Government of Alberta 2006
http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/SafeSchools/AuthResources.asp
The following resources have been developed by Alberta Education to support schools in their development of safe and caring environments:
Guidelines for Using Timeout in Schools (2002)
© Government of Alberta 2002
http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/safeschools/TimeOut_Oct_2002.pdf
This resource defines and describes various timeout strategies that, when implemented correctly, have been proven to be an effective method of reducing a wide variety of disruptive behaviours. Appendices describing early intervention strategies and steps to take to address acting-out behaviours as well as a bibliography are provided. Note: Timeout lies within a continuum of behavioural interventions and should only be used when less restrictive interventions have not been successful.
LearnAlberta.ca - Online Reference Centre
© Government of Alberta 2006
http://www.learnalberta.ca
L'intimidation, parlons-en! (Grades 5 to 9 - Health and Life Skills)
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/saipe/html/Content/bully.html?launch=true
This French-language multimedia resource increases student awareness of what constitutes bullying and what are its causes and consequences. Four video segments serve to stimulate student reflection on this topic, as well as discussion about attitudes and actions that contribute to counteracting this phenomenon. A user's guide for teachers and parents is provided.
Le témoin et l'intimidation (Grades 5 to 9 - Health and Life Skills)
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/satei/index.html?launch=true
This French-language multimedia resource is a follow-up to L'intimidation, parlons-en! in that it allows students to explore the ways a witness can intervene in a bullying situation. Three bullying scenarios accompanied by 9 options for witness intervention and 3 activity pages encourage the student to choose an appropriate action for each situation. A PDF version of a user's guide for teachers and parents is provided.
Mes choix, ma vie (Grades 7 to 9 - Health)
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/samcmv/index.html?launch=true
This French-language multimedia resource invites students to explore elements related to decision-making such as the feelings, thoughts and values that influence their choices. They will recognize how their choices affect their lives and will be better prepared to reflect before making decisions. A teacher's guide accompanies the resource.
Our Words, Our Ways: Teaching First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learners (2005)
© Government of Alberta 2005
http://education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/curriculum/OurWords/Words.pdf
This resource offers information about Aboriginal cultures and perspectives, practical ideas, and sample strategies that will help teachers meet the needs and recognize the gifts of Aboriginal students. Many of the sample strategies are good for all students and are relevant for a range of educational settings and contexts. This resource stresses that aboriginal student learning is enhanced by a safe, comfortable classroom environment-a community of learners. Aboriginal students do their best work when they experience:
- a sense of belonging as respected and valued students
- the spirit of mastery that comes through encouragement of their gifts and competencies
- independence developed by opportunities to develop inner control and responsibility
- the spirit of generosity that reflects core values of sharing and community responsibility.
Safe and Caring Schools: Teaching and Learning Resources (2002)
© Government of Alberta 2002
This resource is an annotated list of authorized and recommended teaching and learning resources designed to assist schools in the selection of materials which support and complement the Safe and Caring Schools Initiative and Alberta programs of study. This bibliography is available through the LRC: Order #467466.
Supporting Safe, Secure and Caring Schools in Alberta (1999)
© Government of Alberta 1999
This resource provides school staff and community members with information to assist in developing and implementing effective policies and comprehensive programs to promote a safe and caring school or school district. This resource is available through the LRC: Order #407488.
Supporting the Social Dimension: Resource Guide for Teachers, Grades 7-12 (2002)
© Government of Alberta 2002
http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/safeschools/work.pdf
This resource provides guidelines, objectives and strategies designed to assist secondary school teachers with enhancing the social competency skills of students in five focus areas: personal growth and goal setting, health and well-being, appearance and manner, ethical behaviour and accountability. This resource is also available through the LRC: Order #483735.
The Heart of the Matter: Character and Citizenship Education in Alberta Schools (2005)
© Government of Alberta 2005
http://education.gov.ab.ca/charactered/PDF/HeartMatter.pdf
This recently released comprehensive resource provides an overview of what character and citizenship education is and offers a sample framework for building and sustaining a culture of character. It also provides information and sample strategies for: choosing an approach, assessing outcomes, fostering a positive school culture, infusing character and citizenship education across subject areas, choosing resources, linking with extracurricular activities; and involving parents and community. This resource is also available through the LRC: Order #616542.
Working Together for Safe and Caring Schools, Grades 7-12: Resource Manual for Students, Staff and Parents (2003)
© Government of Alberta 2003
http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/safeschools/work.pdf
This resource was developed to empower and involve students in effecting change in their school environments, and to assist them in taking a leadership role to promote safe and caring schools through a range of student-designed activities and initiatives. This resource is available through the LRC: Order #511841.
Note: Additional resources can be found at http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/safeschools/AddlResources.asp or by searching the LRC. At the time of writing, a search of the LRC using the keywords "safe and caring" in the title field yielded a list of sixty-seven resources including promotional materials, videos, presentations, books, booklets, handbooks, guides, posters, overheads, and brochures.
Alberta Education - PROMISING PRACTICES from the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI)
© Government of Alberta 2006
http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/k_12/special/aisi/
A search of AISI cycle 1 and 2 projects using "safe and caring", "behaviour", "school culture" or "school climate" as keywords yields several projects that illustrate how Alberta schools are encouraging and promoting safe and caring environments. A sampling of some of the Cycle 2 projects that are demonstrating promising practices in terms of safe and caring schools are described below. Visit the AISI web site to learn about more promising practices being developed in Alberta's schools.
Creating a Safe and Caring Environment at D.A. Ferguson Middle School, Horizon School Division No. 67
The staff at D.A. Ferguson Middle School focus on student behavior and anti-bullying strategies to improve school climate. A Behavior Consultation Team develops strategies to resolve issues concerning student behavior. Bullying issues are being addressed by an anti-bullying committee. This committee also developed an anti-bullying handbook (see Bulling Resource Manual (September 2003) http://www.horizon.ab.ca/ferguson/parents/bullying/handbook.pdf). More information about the key features and evidence of the effectiveness of the program can be found at http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/k_12/special/aisi/ClearingHouse/ PromisingPractices/default.asp?page=4.
Big Family Groups (BFG) at Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District No. 1
http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/k_12/special/aisi/ClearingHouse/ PromisingPractices/default.asp?page=2
The Big Family Groups, multi-aged groups of students led by a teacher advisor, established in this division
- allow students to foster positive relationships among students within the school,
- provide the opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of individual needs and the ability to relate with the various age groups,
- provide leadership opportunities for older students to the younger students in their group,
- provide staff the opportunity to work with children at various age levels,
- encourage students to incorporate the values of respect, family, trust, caring, and responsibility into their interactions and daily lives, and
- foster a closer bond between members within the school community (family).
Playground Peace Patrol at Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District No. 1
ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/k_12/special/aisi/ClearingHouse/ PromisingPractices/default.asp?page=19
The Playground Peace Patrol consists of a group of students (Grade 5 and 6) who have been trained as peer mediators. Once equipped with essential conflict mediation skills, these students are provided opportunities to help others, to develop positive peer leadership skills, and to promote self-esteem within individuals. This program creates an opportunity for students to become more involved within the school and encourages students to peacefully resolve conflicts, thereby reducing the number of referrals to administration.
Student Forums at Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District No. 1
ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/k_12/special/aisi/ClearingHouse/ PromisingPractices/default.asp?page=23
A student forum is an opportunity for students to voice their concern about a particular issue in the school community, understand the issue from multiple perspectives, and offer suggestions for reducing the issue, thereby taking more ownership for the school community. Student forums are facilitated by staff members who guide students through a process where students share their thoughts and experiences in small non-threatening groups, and work together to create an action plan to reduce identified issues.
Alberta Education - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Effective behaviour supports workshops are offered by the Special Programs Branch, Alberta Education by contacting:
Effective Behaviour Supports - Workshops, Consultation
Contact: Special Programs Branch
Location: 44 Capital Blvd., 10044 - 108 Street, Edmonton, AB
Phone: (780) 422-6326 (toll-free in Alberta 310-0000)
Fax: (780) 422-2039
E-mail: Colleen.McClure@gov.ab.ca
Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities (SACSC)
http://www.sacsc.ca/
The Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities (SACSC) evolved from the Alberta Teachers' Association's (ATA) Safe and Caring Schools Project (SACS) which began in April 1996 with a grant from the Alberta Education's Safe and Caring Schools Initiative. SACSC workshops are available by contacting:
Towards a Safe and Caring Curriculum Workshops
Date: Available upon request
Cost: as negiotiated
Contact: Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities
Location: Barnett House
Address: #504, 11010-142 Street, Edmonton
Phone: (780) 447-9487
Email: office@sacsc.ca
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