Caring Safe Schools Ontario

Ontario School Board Initiativesn Ontario school boards have developed and implemented policies andprocedures in accordance with the safe schools provisions of the Education Act,regulations under the act, and Ministry of Education requirements as set out inpolicy/program memoranda. These policies and procedures are publicly availableon school boards’ websites. School boards also provide training related to safeschools policies for administrators, teachers, and other staff members.Initiatives in Other Jurisdictionsn A review of other jurisdictions indicates that a number of other countries and,in Canada, the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Newfoundlandand Labrador, also have policies to build and maintain a caring and safe environmentin schools. These policies call for the allocation of resources and the involvementof school staff and community members to develop and implement programs thatpromote school safety and a positive school climate. In some jurisdictions, multiplepublic services for children and youth play a role, including schools, mental healthservices, and the justice system. As well, most jurisdictions have provisions to addressmajor issues such as bullying, harassment, violence, and the need for child protection.Framework for Promoting Positive Student Behaviourn The sample framework shown in Figure 1 depicts the components of a learningenvironment that is designed to promote student engagement and respond constructivelyto behavioural challenges.Implementationof a progressivedisciplineapproachC a r i n g &S a f e S c h o o lC u l t u r eUnderstandingof studentbehaviourFigure 1. Framework forPromoting Positive StudentBehaviourKnowledgeof strategies,tools, andresourcesIntroduction7