Fostering Standards of the Heart: Safe and Orderly Places
Characteristic 2: Safe and Orderly Places
Principles and Rationale for Implementing Characteristics of
Successful Schools
Rationale:
Brain research shows that students who are threatened, harassed,
or do not feel safe and valued in school cannot learn or retain
learning well enough to succeed academically. Surveys of
students consistently point out that students want clear
expectations, fair discipline, and reasonable boundaries in
their schools and classrooms.
Principles:
Emotional safety is as important as physical safety.
Rules and boundaries are known and shared, and logical
consequences are fairly and consistently applied when
violations occur.
Policies should include supportive alternatives to help
children overcome personal and academic difficulties.
Behaviors that threaten the safety of students and staff
call for a zero-tolerance approach.
School staff perceptions of safety may be different from
student perceptions. Continually ask students if they feel
that school is a safe place for them.
Expected Results of a Citizenship Initiative
Students Will
Staff Will
Families and Community Will
Feel safe at school
Contribute to a positive school climate
Experience fair and logical consequences
directly related to their behavior
Understand their actions are viewed as an
opportunity for learning
Have a forum for addressing concerns about
safety
Feel safe at school
Support one another
Contribute to a positive school climate
Experience improved morale
Apply consequences fairly for all students
Feel supported by families and the community
for enforcing reasonable boundaries fairly
Understand when laws and policies are being
violated and administration needs to be alerted
Express support and confidence in the school
as a safe and orderly place
Feel safe and respected on school grounds
and at school events
Understand the expectations of their
children’s behavior