Positive, inclusive school climates can promote equitable communities, increase student achievement, reduce bullying and violence, and model civil, participatory, democracy in action.
Below are resources to help schools create positive, equitable environments.
School based civil rights teams supported by the Office of Maine Attorney General prepare students to identify and addresses issues of bias (especially bias based on race, color, national origin and ancestry, religion, physical and mental disabilities, gender, and sexual orientation) in their school community through education and awareness efforts.
Creating Safe Maine Schools Resource Guide
This guide was created to help schools create a climate that is welcoming and respectful of all students, faculty/staff, and families through effective interventions.
Maine Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Maine Department of Education – Courageous Conversations
Resources compiled by the Maine Department of Education that are intended to support educators who want to support their students in having courageous conversations about contentious topics.
Maine Department of Education – Social-Emotional Learning
As districts shift to online learning, parents, educators and school leaders are searching for ways to continue prioritizing children’s social and emotional development at home. Inside SEL has put together an initial list of resources, blog posts and guides to help cope during this volatile and difficult time.
Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to elementary and middle school teaching that focuses on the strong link between academic success and social-emotional learning (SEL) that is used widely in Maine Schools.
Restorative Justice Institute of Maine
The Restorative Justice Institute of Maine promotes fundamental change in the justice system and schools. Their responses to crime and wrongdoing seek renewal and safety for the community, support and healing for victims and accountability and reintegration of the offender.
Young Adult Abuse Prevention Program (YAAPP)
The Young Adult Abuse Prevention Program (YAAPP) is the prevention team at Family Crisis Services created in 1995 to prevent future domestic violence. YAAPP delivers education, services, and advocacy that enable youth to make choices within their dating relationships that are safe, healthy, and informed.