A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Checklist: If Your School Needs to Improve, What Actions are Needed?

Yes No	Encourage parents to talk directly to their children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco--these conversations starting in the earliest years and extending through adulthood could literally save their lives.
Yes No	Implement firm, clear policies that prohibit bringing weapons, guns, and drugs to school. Sanction quickly and fairly students who violate the rules.
Yes No	Train teachers to help prevent problems and deal with violence.
Yes No	Provide to students drug and violence prevention and character education programs which are based on sound research and evaluation findings.
Yes No	Put in place an accountability system that accurately reports discipline problems, discipline acts, and criminal incidents by students on campus and by outsiders.
Yes No	Give students lots of wholesome alternatives to say "Yes" to. Keep schools open after school and in the summer as community learning centers; sponsor alcohol- and drug-free activities and dances; provide extracurricular activities, such as sports, art, and band, special interest clubs, or field trips; provide mentors and internships with employers and community service opportunities.
Yes No	Regularly include parents, other caring adults, and law enforcement officials in the life of the school and around the school.
Yes No	Develop the curriculum in the basics and all the core subjects to be challenging and engaging; rich in hands-on learning tied to academics; integrated with technology and with the business, scientific, arts, and cultural assets of the community; and aimed at helping students see the connection between school work and going to college, good citizenship, and a productive life.
Yes No	Make the school more personalized by encouraging regular communication among students, parents, and teachers; by dividing large schools into smaller units; and by other means. Students and teachers should be able to know each others' names.
Yes No	Consider school uniforms and strict truancy rules.

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