Bully Prevention = Responsive Classroom

As a principal and parent, I am often asked about the topic of bullying and what we do to about it.  In our district's elementary schools, we have invested a lot of time and resources in a program called, Responsive Classroom.  In fact, just this last August, 30 district teachers had a week long training in the philosphy and implementation of Responsive Classroom.  The Responsive Classroom approach is a widely used, research-backed approach to elementary education that increases academic achievement, decreases problem behaviors, and improves social skills.  When a teacher and classrom are able to do these things, acadmics are also impacted, leading to quality instruction and achievement.  One of the most important things for us to be successful in any enviornment is to feel safe.  When that occurs, it is one less variable that can impact learning and Responsive Classrooms do this.  If you want to know more, the following videos give a great overview and examples of what we value in teaching students in this approach.  If we teach what it means to be a community and family, students are much less likely to hurt or be intentional in their wanting to hurt or harm someone that is a member of their family.