|
 
|
 |
|
|
|
PROGRAMS
& SERVICES:
SAFE & HEALTHY SCHOOLS:
SAFE SCHOOLS
(Updated 5/21/08)
|
| |
|
OVERVIEW
 |
| |
|
| |
Passed by the Legislature
in 2000, Act 113 (the "Safe Schools Bill"), addresses the importance of
providing safe and healthy learning environments for all Vermont students. Among
its many provisions, the law clarifies disciplinary procedures in cases in which
a student’s misconduct directly harms the welfare of a school. It also strengthens
criminal laws regarding possession of weapons on school property or buses, and directs
the commissioner of education to develop teacher training programs that address disruptive
student behavior.
Act 120, also passed
in 2000, focuses on school hazing and harassment policies and created a school quality
standard that evaluates schools on their ability to provide safe, civil, orderly,
and positive learning environments. The work of Act 120 is carried out through these
programs:
Safe Schools Program
This program is an essential part of the department's effort to implement initiatives
to reduce the frequency of problems that impede student learning and achievement.
The team works with school communities to help create safe and healthy learning environments
with regard to bullying, hazing, harassment and discrimination that may relate to
race, gender, class, age, intelligence, marital status, sexual orientation, disability
or religion. In addition, prevention and intervention technical assistance/training
programs work to strengthen school climate and reduce disruptions caused by challenging
student behaviors. The program also assists schools in developing schoolwide disciplinary
plans, procedures and policies.
Building Effective Strategies for Teaching Students with Behavioral Challenges
(BEST) Project
The BEST Project is designed to help schools develop effective strategies to
respond to challenging student behaviors. The department and its interagency partners
provide training and technical assistance to increase schools’ capacities to implement
strategies to benefit entire school communities. View a Web site link.
Use the following links to view available:
|
| |
|
LINKS
TO CURRENTLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION (Updated 5/21/08)
|
| |
|
| |
Building Effective Strategies for Teaching (BEST)/ACT 230 Grant Application for 2008-2009 (Added 5/21/08)
As required by the Act 230 statute, the commissioner must establish an annual priority for the use of funds. Based on the initial successes of the Vermont Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) effort, the commissioner has again designated PBS as the priority area for use of these funds. Supervisory unions may also continue to apply for funds to support other activities consistent with the general purposes of BEST/Act 230 as described in the attached application. Activities geared toward supporting the social/emotional/academic needs of at-risk learners may be eligible for funding. The application and all instructions are provided below. NOTE: 1) All BEST/Act 230 Grant Applications must be submitted electronically and electronically signed by the Superintendent of Schools. 2) Applications must be submitted and approved before funds are expended. 3) Applications can be submitted immediately but no later than September 15, 2008. For information or questions, contact sabine.baldwin@state.vt.us.
Download the following documents:
Building Effective Strategies for Teaching (BEST) Students with Behavioral Challenges Project
The BEST Project is designed to help schools develop effective strategies to respond to challenging student behaviors. Use the link above to view the Web site.
Vermont Human Rights Commission
All schools are required to have a policy that prevents and prohibits hazing, harassment and discrimination. If you - a student - believe that you have been the victim of harassment or discrimination, a complaint should be filed, in accordance with the school policy, with the appropriate school official. Students may also file a complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission which investigates violations of Vermont's public accommodation law. |
| |
|
CONTACT
INFORMATION
|
| |
|
| |
Safe Schools
Charles Johnson, Education Consultant
(802) 828-0371 (P)
(802) 828-0573 (F)
charles.johnson@state.vt.us
BEST Project
Richard Boltax, Education Consultant
(802) 828-5125 (P)
(802) 828-0573 (F)
richard.boltax@state.vt.us
Hazing and Harassment Issues/Discrimination Issues
Charles Johnson, Education Consultant
(802) 828-0371 (P)
(802) 828-0573 (F)
charles.johnson@state.vt.us
Civil Rights
and Nondiscrimination Policies
Barbara
Crippen, Civil Rights Coordinator
(802) 828-5937 (P)
(802) 828-3140 (F)
barbara.crippen@state.vt.us |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug (ATOD) Prevention
Child Nutrition Programs | Driver & Traffic Safety Education
Health Education | HIV Prevention
Physical Education | Physical Activity
Safe Schools | School Health Services
Safe & Healty Schools
PDF
files require the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
To download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, click on the icon below.
View
Acrobat tips and information.
|
 |
 |
|