In 1997, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 187 (Education Code Section 35294, Statutes of 1998), which mandates safe school planning at every school site.
Schools are required to:
-
Assess the current status of school crime.
-
Identify programs and strategies to provide school safety.
-
Include the school's procedures for complying with existing laws related to school safety.
-
Include specifics on a variety of safety issues in its Safe School Plan.
-
Review and update the Safe School Plan annually by March 1.
The Comprehensive Health & Prevention Programs Department assists schools and school districts in designing and reinforcing comprehensive safe school plans including effective crisis response preparation and procedures, by providing a variety of technical assistance services including site visits, workshops, and conferences.
Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action 2002 Edition and Safe Schools: A Planning Guide for Action Workbook are available from the California Department of Education website.
Creating a positive school culture and climate requires a shared vision which fosters a positive learning environment. Schools perceived as being positive, safe and nurturing enjoy a better student achievement.