Safe and Civil Schools

Dr. Randy Sprick draws on more than 35 years of experience to develop books, multimedia resources, and other materials designed to help educators create a positive school climate and culture in which every student can thrive. The Safe & Civil Schools approach is rooted in the belief that all people are to be treated with dignity and respect, and that misbehaviour is a puzzle to be solved rather than a threat to be eliminated.

The goal of all materials in the series is to empower school staff with techniques to help all students behave responsibly and respectfully. The materials are full of specific "how-to" information. Though each resource stands alone, all are integrated and share some basic processes and beliefs.

The beliefs include:

1. All students must be treated with dignity and respect.
2. Students should be taught the skills and behaviours necessary for success.
3. Motivation and responsibility should be encouraged through positive interactions and building relationships with students.
4. Student misbehaviour represents a teaching opportunity.

The processes include:

1. Using data. Objective information about behaviour is more reliable than labels, conclusions, or stereotypes.
2. Structuring for success. All school settings should be organised to promote successful behaviour from students.
3. Collaboration. Helping students behave responsibly is the shared responsibility of all school staff.
4. Self-reflection. If student behaviour is irresponsible, school staff should reflect on what they can do to help students.

These processes and beliefs form a structure for procedures that help prevent students from "falling through the cracks" into school failure.