Systematic Data Review Reveals Need to Address Bullying

Post date: Feb 03, 2011 4:53:8 PM

Friendship Junior High School in CCSD 59 reviewed their office discipline referrals (ODRs) for the 2009-10 school year and identified the need to address bullying behavior. The school PBIS team established a Bully Prevention subgroup to develop schoolwide strategies. In October 2010, instruction was delivered schoolwide using a student-developed video. Students and parents signed a bully prevention pledge and a phone message was sent to all parents conveying the expectations. Weekly updates about reductions in behavior related to bullying are provided during school announcements. An initial review of the data shows that ODRs for bullying behaviors have decreased from 1.21 ODRs per day in October to 0.63 ODRs per day in November. The PBIS team has also partnered with a community agency, Elk Grove Youth Services, to conduct youth outreach on bullying to sixth graders during physical education classes.