Creating and Maintaining Climates of Respect in Our Schools
Bullying Prevention and Operation Respect Connecticut
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The Problem
These effects spread to a school's culture and learning environment, undermining
students' sense of safety, security and connectedness so important to student
success and wellbeing. View a "map" outlining what schools can do to promote positive climate. Read The Partnership's
position paper describing why positive school climate is essential to student success. According
to the National Crime Prevention Council, young
people report bullying as one of the biggest problems they face. A study by the
Family and Work Institute found that one-third of youth are bullied at least once
a month, while other studies have reported that six out of 10 teens witness bullying
at least once a day. Cyberspace has dramatically extended its reach and magnitude.
Bullying is one of the most widespread and under reported problems within our
schools and communities. Once dismissed as "kids being kids," bullying is no longer
viewed as
harmless
behavior that builds character. Running the gamut from name-calling and ridicule
to physical abuse, bullying is now known to have long-term negative academic,
emotional and social effects on targets, bullies and bystanders.
Operation Respect Connecticut
Operation Respect is a national initiative founded by legendary folk singer Peter Yarrow to reduce
bullying and other violence in our schools through character-based education that
instills greater compassion and respect.
A concerned group of parents, educators and business leaders formed Operation
Respect Connecticut in 2001 to provide schools across the state the training and
resources to create compassionate, safe and respectful learning environments free
of bullying, ridicule and violence. Through its efforts, Connecticut led the nation
in introducing this curriculum, supported by the state Department of Education
and the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education.
Operation Respect Connecticut is in the process of merging with The Governor's
Prevention Partnership. The organization selected The Partnership to continue
its work because of The Partnership's pivotal role in recognizing and responding
to the serious issue of bullying in Connecticut and its leadership in prevention
programming.
Fostering Supportive School Climates
The Governor's Prevention Partnership's Bullying Task Force issued the first
comprehensive report on the problem of bullying in the state. Brave Enough to Be Kind, published in cooperation with the state Commission on Children and the state
Department of Education, contained recommendations on bullying prevention for
legislators, educators and other professionals charged with serving and protecting
children.
These recommendations not only guided passage of the state's
initial anti-bullying law, but proved a model for the 2008 revision requiring
stricter reporting requirements by schools, greater state oversight and more rigorous
training of school staff in bullying prevention. The Partnership developed quality
standards for bullying prevention, and has continued
to provide schools with assistance and programs to prevent bullying. The Quality
standards document is consistent with both the 2008 law and the State Department
of Education's interpretation of that law.
Through Operation Respect Connecticut, The Partnership will expand is resources
to help Connecticut schools comply with the new law while fostering school climates that support student development.
If you would like to discuss how your organization or corporation can partner with us, please email Mickey Mattei or call 860.523.8042 ext. 22.