Safe and Supportive Schools

Students are more likely to thrive academically – as well as socially and emotionally – in schools they experience as safe and supportive. A synthesis of the research suggests that four elements are essential to creating and maintaining safe and supportive places of learning:

1. A supportive learning community, including challenging curriculum respectful relationships, and student participation and leadership;
2. Systematic approaches to supporting safety and positive behavior, including schoolwide approaches, orderly classrooms and a continuum of supports for students in need;
3. Involvement of family, students, school staff and the community; and
4. Standards and measures to support continuous improvement based on data.

The Alliance calls on educators and policymakers to recognize the vital connection between academic success and safe and supportive school communities.

Alliance Publications on Safe and Supportive Schools

The Alliance publication Every Child Learning: Safe and Supportive Schools (PDF, 6500Kb) offers concrete recommendations for creating safe and supportive learning environments in classrooms, schools, and school districts.

Additional Resources

Ensuring the Success of Children & Youth in American Communities

Read the Joint Position Statement of the Learning First Alliance, National League of Cities, and the National Collaboration on Youth outlining their agreement on critical steps communities must take to ensure success for America's children and youth.