Creating Safety in Schools

What do you think makes schools safer,

1. metal detectors
2. teachers carrying guns
3. creating a positive connection between young people and adults

As many people know metal detectors are becoming a common site in schools these days. Why is that? What does that say about our schools and our society? And the bigger question is, do metal detectors create a safe environment for young people?

In the practice of accelerated learning there is a saying that, “everything speaks.” So what kinds of things might metal detectors say to young people as they enter their school? Do you think it says to them that they are safe? I can imagine metal detectors send another message to young people that they can’t be trusted – and that other people coming into the school cannot be trusted.

In a recent post I showed pictures of hospitals, prisons, and schools. By adding metal detectors schools take one step closer to being a like a prison.

Taking that way of thinking one step further, a Texas school district recently approved the carrying of hand-guns by teachers. Believe it or not, the Texas Governor has given his support of this. Now what kind of environment does that create? And what does that say to the young people in that environment?

Guns don’t kill people, people using guns kill people. And what about ‘mistakes or accidents?’ What happens when some creative young person figures out a way to steal a teacher’s gun they have ‘hidden’ on them or in their classroom? Having a gun in an environment where young people are should be a crime – not a sanctioned activity.

This type of thinking and behavior on the part of adults is so far away from the thinking that is required if we are to develop healthy and wholesome participants in a democratic society. But maybe that isn’t the goal or interest of the people involved in the Texas school district?

What is the purpose of the public schooling system?

North Texas school district will let teachers carry guns
HARROLD, Texas — A tiny Texas school district may be the first in the nation to allow teachers and staff to pack guns for protection when classes begin later this month, a newspaper reported.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry indicated Monday that he supports a school district’s decision to allow teachers and staff to pack guns for protection when classes start this month.

From the ASCD newsletter on educating the Whole Child:

Another good example is the use of metal detectors in schools. In the wake of horrific, terrifying school shootings, districts around the United States added metal detectors at school entrances as a deterrent to those who might be carrying weapons. Many adults in schools and surrounding communities feel safer as a result of this strategy. Yet, no less authorities than the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Education say that metal detectors are unlikely to prevent a serious incident of school violence. Rather, they suggest that schools create a climate of safety and respect, free from bullying and filled with opportunities for adults and students to have meaningful relationships and open communication.

» No, whole child education is not easy, and coming close doesn’t quite count. We need your voice to speak out for real policy changes to ensure that each child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Visit the Policy Blackboard, and use our advocacy tips in your community!

Also from that newsletter, this quote taken from a report on the threat assessment in schools (page 6).

“In an educational setting where there is a climate of safety, adults and students respect each other. This climate is defined and fostered by students having a positive connection to at least one adult in authority. In such a climate, students develop the capacity to talk and openly share their concerns without fear of shame and reprisal.”

School Violence - Painful Lessons