March 19, 2009
Killingly, CT
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Registration 8:30 AM
SUMMARY
This workshop explores the issues of school violence,
bullying, and intimidation. Attendees will learn practical
ways of creating a climate of respect, thereby preventing
emotional and physical violence in their school.
School Districts
A Climate of Respect is one of the many practical
workshops CIRMA provides to its members.
For more information about this and other CIRMA
workshops, please email CIRMA at
cirmaworkshop@ccm-ct.org.
"Bullying, harassment, assault, battery:
all are found along the violence continuum.
All interfere with a student’s right to a safe,
secure, and disruption-free learning
environment."
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
No longer are bullies regarded as an inevitable part of
growing up. While they have long been a hazard of the
schoolyard—one study estimated that 10% children are
regularly victimized each year—Connecticut schools are now
required by state statute (Public Act 02-119) to have a policy
addressing bullying behavior.
But a policy alone does not protect victims from their
tormentors; nor does it protect Connecticut school districts
from legal liability. Staff indifference to bullying behavior
remains grounds for liability claims within Connecticut.
Educators know that a safe and respectful emotional
climate is a prerequisite for learning. Fear disrupts learning
and is linked to lower scores, and increased absenteeism,
and dropout rates. Worse, bullied children are five times
more likely to develop clinical depression than others.
This CIRMA workshop provides attendees the practical
understanding and strategies they need to create a climate
of respect in their schools; it is the ultimate antidote to
childhood cruelty. A respectful environment is one of the most
effective ways of improving the overall lives of students,
preventing violence, and creating the conditions for optimal
learning.
Topics include:
The effect of stress on learning.
The relationship between bullying behavior, school violence, and school shootings.
Managing the “student code of silence.”
Discipline practices, including suspension, expulsion, and “zero tolerance” policies.
Creating a “caring majority.”
The role of character education, modeling, and the responsibilities of adults.
Effect of technology.
Identifying children at risk.
AUDIENCE
This workshop is designed for:
Boards of Education members
School administrative staff
Classroom teachers, special education teachers,and para-professionals
School Social workers, school psychologists
PTO/PTA Board Members
SPEAKERSJo Ann Freiberg, Phd Ed.
Connecticut State Department of
Education
Jo Ann is an associate education
consultant with the Connecticut State
Department of Education. She has worked
as a classroom teacher and as a teacher
educator, and has held faculty
appointments at a number of universities, including Central
Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State
University, the University of Hartford and the University of
Connecticut. Jo Ann holds a Ph.D. in philosophy of education
from Ohio State University. She served on the statewide task
force on bullying, and served as an educational consultant
around the nation.WHERE
Killingly Intermediate School
1599 Upper Maple Street
Dayville, CT 06241
860-779-6700
COST per attendee
This seminar is open to CIRMA members only and is free of charge.
For more information, please call Martin Connelly at 203-946-3743 or email
cirmaworkshop@ccm-ct.org.
DIRECTIONS
From Points South via I-395
Take I-395 North to Exit 93 (Route 101). Turn left onto Route 101, and
go about two miles, then turn right at the stoplight onto Upper Maple
Street. Killingly Intermediate School is about 1/4 mile on the left.
From Points West via Route 6
Take Route 6 east into Danielson, then take I-395 North to Exit 93 (Route
101). Turn left onto Route 101, and go about two miles, then turn right
at the stoplight onto Upper Maple Street. Killingly Intermediate School is
about 1/4 mile on the left.
From Points North via I-395
Take I-395 South to Exit 93 (Route 101). Turn right onto Route 101, and
go about 2 miles, then turn right at the stoplight onto Upper Maple
Street. Killingly Intermediate School is about 1/4 mile on the left.
From Hartford and Points West via I-84 to Route 44 to Route 101
Take I-84 East to Exit 69 for Route 74. Follow Route 74 to Route 44
(about 7 miles), then turn left onto Route 44. Stay on Route 44 through
Eastford. Continue into Pomfret - you will come to the intersection of
169/101/44. Stay straight on Route 101. Follow Route 101 for about 3½
miles to stop light at intersection of Maple Street. Turn left onto Upper
Maple Street. Killingly Intermediate School is about 1/4 mile on the left.
Connecticut Conference of Municipalities
900 Chapel Street, 9th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: (203) 498-3000
Fax: (203) 562-6314