Dr. Maurice Elias, the Director of the Rutgers Social and Emotional Learning Laboratory, shared his thoughts and wisdom about safe and secure schools at the NJSBA's statewide forum this past Friday. The title of this post is based on his ideas. Security measures are certainly important, but just as important is teaching students the social and emotional skills that they need to succeed. I've outlined below some of the ideas that hit home with me.
- School Climate Matters. Students need to feel safe and cared for. They need to feel accepted and to feel like they belong. Schools should invest time and effort into building a positive climate, and a good way to start is by completing a survey of teachers and students to get their perspectives on the climate of the school. The goal is for all students and teachers to feel safe and cared for.
- Preservation of dignity is important for everyone. As Dr. Elias pointed out, people with a strong sense of dignity do not kill other people. Everyone is worthy of respect and should be treated with respect. Is this true in your school or in the school of your children?
- Character education and social skills should be taught in schools. Differentiation in teaching will be necessary. Some students will need more time and practice to master social and emotional skills.
- Troubled students should be embraced. One of my early mentors told me that the child who is the most difficult is the one who needs me to care for him/her the most. Children come to school with many challenges. I have the opportunity to show I care about each one as a unique and important individual.
Schools have the responsibility to keep our children safe. Right now metal detectors and armed guards are on every one's minds. Just as important, and maybe even more important, is ensuring that all students feel respected and safe emotionally and socially in their schools.
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