This webpage provides information and resources for fostering safe and welcoming learning environments. These resources may be of particular interest to faith-based and other community-based organizations working to expand and improve educational opportunities for students.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Education provided funding to schools for violence prevention under a number of grant programs, such as Project Prevent, the Stronger Connections grant program funded by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and in 2022, as an allowable use of additional grant programs like Promise Neighborhoods and Full-Service Community Schools.
Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV)
Under Project SERV, the U.S. Department of Education can provide support to local educational agencies or institutions of higher education after a traumatic event, which may occur on or off school or campus grounds. These grants are intended to provide funds to meet acute needs and restore the learning environment, for example by surging mental health supports to students and staff.
FEDERAL RESOURCES AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
The U.S. Department of Education funds multiple technical assistance centers aimed at improving school climate and creating safe and supportive learning environments. Many of these centers featuring training opportunities and helpful guidance for families and communities in addition to educational institutions.
National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning (NCSSLE)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools, NCSSLE offers information and technical assistance to states, districts, schools, institutions of higher education, and communities focused on improving school climate and conditions for learning. Community partners can access toolkits, training materials, and other resources specifically tailored for families and communities here and utilize the left-hand toolbar to identify the specific topic you are seeking. A list of helpful school climate guides, training packages, and improvement tools provided by NCSSLE can also be found here.
The National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
The PBIS Center is jointly funded by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education, to assist in creating safe positive predictable learning environments. It offers a broad range of resources that community partners can access, such as those related to the use of a multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) framework to support students, families, and educators during the transitions back to school during and following a crisis (e.g., a pandemic, natural disaster, other emergency) in a manner that prioritizes their health and safety, social and emotional needs, and behavioral and academic growth.
SchoolSafety.gov
This website was created by the federal government to provide schools and districts with actionable recommendations to create a safe and supportive learning environment where students can thrive and grow. On this site discover upcoming school safety events and grants to help support your school’s or school district’s safety efforts.
StopBullying.gov
StopBullying.gov is a federal interagency effort to provide information on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.
Resources for Trauma-Informed Care
There are numerous publicly available resources for caring for students and families after a traumatic experience such as gun violence. This link contains a few examples from other organizations.
RESOURCES INTENDED PRIMARILY FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Center
The REMS Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools, performs two critical functions: build the preparedness capacity (including prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts) of schools, school districts, institutions of higher education (IHEs), and their community partners at the local, state, and Federal levels; and serve as the primary source of information for schools, school districts, and IHEs for emergencies.
The REMS Center’s resources are primarily designed for educators and institutions, and are available to the general public: Guidance, resources, and training opportunities related to emergency management may be found here. Community partners can also seek out specific topics through the advanced search function here.
The Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety
The Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety (SEL Center) provides technical assistance to support States and districts in the implementation of social and emotional learning evidence-based programs and practices. It also features a collection of “Resources for Responding to School Shootings and Violence.”
For other resources recommended by the ED Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, click here.