This course critically explores various aspects of school safety and social acceptance by delving into some of the major themes that reflect school culture: bullying and victimization, cultural awareness, gender expression, and special needs issues and biases.

You will be exploring these topics in a broader sense as they pertain to teaching and learning, and then looking at them in detail around issues of safety and acceptance for both students and staff. You will explore the educational practices, community partnerships, and school programs that inspire students and staff to build safe, inclusive, and accepting learning environments, while actively working toward greater student leadership and effective teacher mentoring. This course will provide a range of opportunities for you to professionally collaborate as you consider the issues around building safe and accepting schools.

Course Learning Expectations

In this course you will have the opportunity to:

• develop an understanding of student needs so that you can help students identify and develop their leadership voices
• develop an understanding of how teachers must engage in professional dialogue, governed by researched methods and established practices, to support safety and acceptance in schools
• engage in professional dialogue, governed by researched methods and established practices, to develop expertise and understanding around the mechanisms that foster school culture
• work with tools, resources, and research methods that will guide successful implementation of restorative practice, progressive discipline, and teacher mentorship
• understand the importance of the role of teachers and schools in establishing a culture of safety, acceptance, well-being, and support for students and their families and communities
• create instructional and assessment practices and protocols that ensure openness, accountability, and engagement for all members of the school community
• explore the unique voices in every school that add dimension and perspective to the school’s climate, knowing the importance of each voice in that school community of parents, teachers, community organizations, and partners
• develop partnership plans and transition plans for the well-being and sustainable program support of students
• research the specific needs and areas for growth in your own school or in a school in your community