Understanding the Impact of a Comprehensive School Safety Initiative on Student and Teacher Perceptions

• In Event: Research on crime and justice in educational institutions

Abstract

We report outcome results related to an intervention focused on promoting a positive school climate guided by a school-based three-person leadership team (3-PLT) using a hybrid Type II design. The 3-PLT included a School Resource Officer (SRO), administrator, and climate specialist (CS). The interventions delivered included 1) Restorative practices, 2) Youth Mental Health First Aid, and 3) Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. Outcome analyses emanated from a cluster randomized controlled trial across 20 schools (10 treatment/10 control) with staged entry over two school years using repeated cross-sections student and teacher surveys. Analyses of student data found improved intentions to report victimization to police, but no change in perceptions of school climate. Teacher surveys found increased support for restorative practices, student mental health supports, and the use of SROs, but no changes in school climate. Results suggest that using restorative practices in school did not significantly impact student and teacher perceptions of the quality of school-based relationships or practices. Inclusion of an SRO and school climate specialist did not impact school climate but may increase student intentions to report crime to the police.

Authors

• Chris Melde, Michigan State University

• Edmund F. McGarrell, Michigan State University

• Justin Heinze, University of Michigan School of Public Health

• Suzan Franzen, University of Michigan

• Derrick Franke, American Institutes for Research

• Andria B. Eisman, Wayne State University

• Michael Rexin, Genesee Intermediate School District

• James Yake, Genesee Intermediate School District