Managing School Violence

Geared toward educators and administrators, this series offers guidelines for creating a safer school environment by teaching viewers how to identify warning signs, evaluate safety risks, and create a response plan. Vol. 1, In Higher Schools (35 min., $99), covers junior high, high school and higher education campuses, discussing such areas as coordinating available organizations and resources, working with local law enforcement agencies, and developing a prevention plan, as well as communication issues, crowd and rumor control, potential aftermath issues of mental health, and resuming classes. Vol. 2, The Mental Health Issues (35 min., $99), focuses on the emotional, social, and psychological issues associated with perpetrators as well as victims. Vol. 3, In Preschools and Elementary Schools (15 min., $79), covers similar issues as earlier volumes, but relevant to this age group, with an emphasis on securing a facility from outside intrusion and reducing bullying and harassment among students. Finally, Vol. 4, Students Talk (15 min., $79), aimed at middle school through high school students, offers a couple of skits dealing with coping with violence, as well as comments from Columbine students and other students who were victims of school violence. This well produced, timely series brings up many points educators must consider to maximize the safety of their institutions, and offers valuable comments and suggestions from school administrators, law enforcement agencies, emergency response teams, school psychologists, therapists, parents, and students. Many quotes, scenes and segments are recycled through the various volumes, with the end result that individual programs stand alone. Although Vol. 4, Students Talk, is advertised as appropriate for Pre-K through High School, it is really for middle school students and older, especially as the students onscreen are all high school age. Vols. 2 & 3 are recommended for elementary schools, and Vols. 1, 2 & 4 are recommended for middle and high schools. Public libraries and academic teacher/administrator training programs will want to consider the entire series. Aud: E, I, J, H, C, P. (L. Stevens)