Written by Denise C. Koebcke, TJMS Media Specialist VCS Safe Schools LEADership Program Coordinator
Creating safer climates for kids is not about labels like "bully" or "target"; in fact, the newest research suggests that those labels are beside the point and may actually polarize kids rather than inspire change. Focusing on the behaviors, not the labels, is far more productive when working with children; all children make mistakes and all children grow and learn through doing so. Holding kids accountable for negative behaviors, both at school and at home, and providing guidance and growth opportunities will help develop the protective factors of empathy and social intelligence. Research-based and data-driven, the VCS Safe Schools LEADership Program promotes safer social climates, service, and leadership among Valparaiso students, K-12.
According to recent studies such as the ongoing 2010 Youth Voice Project out of Penn State University, perhaps the most powerful way to help kids and promote safer social climates in schools involves simply listening to and supporting them and reporting for them if they are struggling in some way. Research out of Dartmouth Medical School points to three major protective factors for American children: authoritative schools and families, sense of belonging, and a higher purpose. With these protective factors in mind, the Valparaiso Community School Corporation has been at the forefront of program development in bystander leadership and mentoring for the past eight years.
Continually growing and adapting to follow best practices and new research, the VCS utilizes bystander leadership groups in the middle schools and high schools as well as peer mentoring K-12 to help students develop a sense of belonging and higher purpose in our system and community. Student discussion forums, workshops, and team-building activities are used to promote leadership, empathy, accountability, and discussion among VCS students. Our unique and extensive mentoring program, connecting older student mentors with younger students, provides an additional support network for VCS students and has been recognized and commended across the nation. The VCS bystander leadership program has been cited and supported in many articles and conferences, most notably in Stan Davis's book Empowering Bystanders in the Classroom. VCS LEADership Program opportunities such as mentoring, presenting at workshops, and leading school-wide activities encourage positive social behaviors that will best help our kids develop the character, resilience, and leadership skills needed for a bright future.