Research Core Project A- Bullying Intervention: Evaluation of violence-prevention programs in middle school with a focus on school climate – extension of previous quasi-experimental evaluations.

Dr. Maury Nation, Principal Investigator

Abstract - The primary aim of this project is to implement and evaluate two bullying prevention programs that take differentbut complementary approaches to changing school climate in publicmiddle schools. Previous research has associated bullying with the development of more serious form of violence including suicides and school shootings, and a host of other risky behaviors including juvenile delinquency. Both theory and research that suggests sustained decreased in the prevalence of bullying are mostly likely to occur when there are changes in the school climate. Central to the program is an enhancement of student services that was developed by Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools through Alignment Nashville. The Alignment Enhanced Services (AES) intervention is based in part on a comprehensive approach to student well-being called Student Assistance Programs (SAP). SAP is a systemic process that mobilizes school resources to remove barriers to learning. The core of the program is a professionally trained coordinator that serves as a liaison to community agencies to address violence and behavior problems of students.  AES intervention is unique because it has developed an approach that utilizes existing resources and non-profit organizations that attend to violence, behavior problems, and youth development to maximize its impact on bullying prevention. Core partners include Oasis Center, the Center for Youth Issues (STARS), and Martha O’Brien Family Resource Center.