Creating Safer Schools Module 1: Overview of Violence Prevention and Conflict Resolution Objectives: Define violence Recognize the escalation of violence in today’s schools Begin to develop a working definition of bullying Evaluate the danger of gangs in our schools Assess the importance of conflict resolution in school Building Knowledge Violence has been an everyday occurrence in many schools around the United States. In the text that we are using we will see that kids bullying kids happens more often then we would like to think. Jessie Klein makes the provocative argument that the rise of school shootings across America, and childhood aggression more broadly, are the consequences of a society that actually promotes aggressive and competitive behavior. The Bully Society is a call to reclaim America’s schools from the vicious cycle of aggression that threatens our children and our society at large. In this module we will explore websites and read articles that will give us insight on gangs, bullying, violence and the importance of conflict resolution in our schools. Locate the authors website using the link here and explore Jessie Klein’s message. We will come back to this site throughout the course so keep it handy. So, what is violence and how is it escalating in today's schools? You will be asked to define a few key terms in this module in order to set the stage for future modules. Begin by exploring the Must See Websites listed and then moving on to the Module Assignments. Websites Definition of Violence - This link will outline a general definition of violence. American Psychological Association - This link gives some insight to violence and takes the definition one step further. Youtube video - Teachers Afraid to Speak Out about Escalating Violence in Public Schools Definition of Bullying - This link will outline a general definition of bullying, we will use it to explore the types of bullying in future modules. Gangs and Kids - This link has many articles and answers questions about gang life. Conflict Resolution in Schools and Classrooms: 1. Education World 2. 4 Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies in the Classroom Module One Assignments: 1. Talking Point 1: After reviewing the dictionary resources and American Psychological site, define violence in your own words. Email your Talking Point to the instructor and title it, "Module 1 Talking Point 1". Your assignment will be grated with this rubric: 3 Points 2 Points 1 Point Comments precisely describe the topic and uses specific terminology as well as express specific examples, Comments specifically describe the topic and use a variety of terminology. Comments are general and could apply to multiple situations. references, or insight. 2. Talking Point 2: Click this link and watch the video: Teachers Afraid to Speak Out about Escalating Violence in Public Schools. Also a must-see link above. Describe how this epidemic is escalating and share your thoughts on this problem. What should the teachers do? Email your Talking Point to the instructor and title it, "Module 1 Talking Point 2". Your assignment will be grated with this rubric: 3 Points 2 Points 1 Point Comments precisely describe the topic and uses specific terminology as well as express specific examples, references, or insight. Comments specifically describe the topic and use a variety of terminology. Comments are general and could apply to multiple situations. 3. Reflection Assignment 1: Discuss gang violence and bullying after researching them on the links above. In an email to the instructor, explain the definition of bullying and your experience with what is being discussed. What experience or knowledge do you have with gang violence? Be sure to send this information in the body of the email, do not send it as an attachment. In the subject line please type, "Module One - Reflection 1". Your assignment will be graded with this rubric: 5 Points 4 Points 3 Points 2 Points Assignment is clearly organized and presented with integration of module material concepts as Assignment material is read, and there is an above average integration of ideas from module material Assignment Assignment is completed is poorly with little or organized no difficulty. with little Average integration integration of of material material evident. noted. Writing reflects Follows unrelated or some detail 1 Point 0 Points Assignment lacks basic elements of organization and thought. No link to material concepts. Planning is lacking. No Assignment is not attempted or sent in beyond the designated due date for the assignment. well as its appropriate relationship to website references. Student follows assignment instructions in exemplar fashion. and/or given in websites module according to assignment. assignment specifications. nonsupportive information of course concepts. evidence of student adhering to assignment instructions. Some example is given. 4. Reflection Assignment 2: Using the websites provided above sum up the key facts you have learned about violence, bullying and gangs, by creating a hand out for your school office that states the facts. **(We will add to this document later, so please save it)** You can set it up like the pdf example called the Key Dangers of Gangs, or any other creative way. Be sure to copy and paste the content into the body of the email. In the subject line please type, "Module One Reflection - Email 2". Your assignment will be graded with this rubric: 3 Points 2 Points 1 Point Comments precisely describe the topic and uses specific terminology as well as express specific examples, references, or insight. Comments specifically describe the topic and use a variety of terminology. Comments are general and could apply to multiple situations. 5. Talking Point 3: Why do you think conflict resolution is important in schools? Come up with a lesson plan or idea that you can use to teach conflict resolution on a small scale with a group of students or class. Using the links provided in the must see area above, complete the task listed. Email your Talking Point to the instructor and title it, "Module 1 Talking Point 3". Your assignment will be graded with this rubric: 3 Points 2 Points 1 Point Comments precisely describe the topic and uses specific terminology as well as express specific examples, references, or insight. Comments specifically describe the topic and use a variety of terminology. Comments are general and could apply to multiple situations. 6. Written Assignment to Instructor/Reflection Questions: Begin to read, The Bully Society, at the end of Chapter One in your text, please reflect on what you have just read (p.1 - 42). Reflections should be at least 10 - 12 sentences and incorporate at least two - three key topics within the chapters you have been asked to read. Email reflections to the Instructor. In the subject line write, "Module One Reflection Questions". 3 Points 2 Points 1 Point Comments precisely describe the topic and uses specific terminology as well as express specific examples, references, or insight. Comments specifically describe the topic and use a variety of terminology. Comments are general and could apply to multiple situations. Type your reflections and responses to textbook web site activities single space with an extra blank line between paragraphs. Use spell checker and proofread your work. Send all reflections to the course instructor in the body of an e-mail message (not as e-mail attachments) on or before the assigned due date. Please place the module number and the word Reflection in the subject line of your reflection e-mail messages, for example - Module 1 Reflection. One technique is to create and save your reflections in word processing and then copy/paste the reflection into an e-mail message. Reflections and Talking Pointings should be written in the first person. Please include your name at the top of each reflection. You will receive feedback and points earned for each assignment. © Teacher Education Institute All rights reserved.
