Memphis is not singing the Blues….How school safety hits the right tune

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

The purpose of the Shelby County Comprehensive School Safety Initiative is to evaluate student-focused school safety programs and comprehensive school safety strategies to reduce violence and misbehavior of students while minimizing the severity of negative outcomes. This presentation highlights how Shelby County School District shifted their diversion and gang intervention efforts from the high school context to middle schools. Representatives from Shelby County School district will discuss historical context of programs, describe the main components of the program strategies, including what business as usual look like in the District, and share challenges and successes to implementation. RTI International will share data on the costs to start up and implement these programs

Sub Unit

• Area IV. Correlates of Crime / 36. School Experiences

Individual Presentations

• Jumping in...Intervening with youth to reduce gang involvement - Rhonda R. Shaw, Shelby County Schools, Office of Safety and Security; Ronald V. Pope, Shelby County Schools, Office of Safety and Security; Carolyn W. Jackson, Shelby County Schools, Office of Safety and Security

• From High School to Middle School: It’s time to SHAPE up - John Hall, Shelby County Schools, Office of Safety and Security

• Not just “business as usual”-Changing school culture and climate to create a safe environment - Randy A. McPherson, Shelby County Schools, Student Behavior and Leadership; Charity Daniel, Shelby County Schools, Student Services Dept

• School Safety - Counting the Costs - Alan Barnosky, RTI International; Stephanie Hawkins, RTI International

Chair

• Janelle Armstrong-Brown, RTI International