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.
HELP US
STOP BULLYING.
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.