The purpose of the Safe and Welcoming Schools (SWS) project is to enhance knowledge and understanding of practices that contribute to positive school climate through outreach, engagement, and research. The initiative builds on the substantial expertise of COE faculty in adolescent development, school climate, school engagement, and bullying prevention. Initially emerging from years of addressing youth violence, bullying, and mistreatment, our focus has broadened to encompass promoting positive school climate and pro-social youth development.
Examples of Safe and Welcoming Schools initiatives include:
- Coordination of an annual Safe and Welcoming Schools conference
- Collaboration with schools and community members to prevent bullying and mistreatment and foster positive school climate, such as:
- Delivering continuing education to raise awareness of bullying and how to prevent it
- Partnering in the adoption of evidence-based practices related to improving school climate
- Providing technical assistance, such as support with measuring the extent of bullying in schools and the community
To visit the Safe and Welcoming Schools website, please click on the following link: http://www.coe.uga.edu/sws