Rich Moran & Ted AltenbergSJSU EdAd 203 – 204

February 23, 2011

Scenario: Principal Interview

You are being interviewed for a site principal position; these are a couple of the questions you may be asked…

Process:1. We pose question;2. You have 3 minutes to discuss in

small groups;3. 3–4 minutes for brief share-out

Question 1 What are the main elements of

school safety, and what are the resources available to you, as site leader, to address school safety?

Question 2 Who shares the responsibility for

the development, promotion and communication of a culture of school safety? How do you as a site leader help to develop, promote and communicate that culture to students, staff and community?

Three Areas of Concern:

School Environment Violence Prevention Crisis Preparedness

(www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/)

School Environment Bullying and Hate Motivated

Behavior Prevention Classroom Management Unsafe School Choice Option Zero Tolerance

Violence Prevention Safe Schools Planning Training & Funding Gang Prevention

Crisis Preparedness Crisis Response Coping with Tragedy Bio-Terrorism

Comprehensive School Safety Plan

Ed Code § 32282 Components of a Plan:

Assessment of current status of school crime

Strategies to maintain high level of school safety

Comprehensive School Safety Plan

Strategies to maintain high level of school safety:

Child Abuse reporting proceduresDisaster proceduresPolicies for pupils who commit acts

which would lead to suspension or expulsion

Procedures to alert teachers of dangerous pupils

Comprehensive School Safety Plan

Strategies to maintain high level of school safety:

Discrimination and harassment policiesSchoolwide dress code that prohibits

“gang-related apparel”Procedures for safe ingress and egress

to and from school buildings

Comprehensive School Safety Plan

Strategies to maintain high level of school safety:

Policies and procedures to maintain “a safe and orderly environment conducive to learning”

Rules and procedures on school discipline

Hate crime reporting procedures

Comprehensive School Safety Plan

Resources: Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action (2002 Edition)CDE Item # 001562, $12

Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action Workbook (2002 Edition)CDE Item # 001561, $9.50