IV.+Academic+and+Non-Academic+Activities

// The law requires each school or district to provide age-appropriate instruction on bullying prevention in each grade that is incorporated into the school’s or district’s curricula. Curricula must be evidence-based. Effective instruction will include classroom approaches, whole school initiatives, and focused strategies for bullying prevention and social skills development. The Department will publish guidelines for implementing social and emotional learning curricula by June 30, 2011. Other resources are currently available on the Department’s website at []. // //Plans should include specific information about local priorities and approaches that will be used, and how schools and districts will integrate the Plan into the school’s and/or district’s curricula.//
 * IV. ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES **

// The following is sample language that may be amended to reflect locally established priorities: //

A. __Specific bullying prevention approaches__. Bullying prevention curricula will be informed by current research which, among other things, emphasizes the following approaches: Initiatives will also teach students about the student-related sections of the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. The Plan should include specific information about how and when the school or district will review the Plan with students.
 * using scripts and role plays to develop skills;
 * empowering students to take action by knowing what to do when they witness other students engaged in acts of bullying or retaliation, including seeking adult assistance;
 * helping students understand the dynamics of bullying and cyberbullying, including the underlying power imbalance;
 * emphasizing cybersafety, including safe and appropriate use of electronic communication technologies;
 * enhancing students’ skills for engaging in healthy relationships and respectful communications; and
 * engaging students in a safe, supportive school environment that is respectful of diversity and difference.

B. __General teaching approaches that support bullying prevention efforts__. The following approaches are integral to establishing a safe and supportive school environment. These underscore the importance of our bullying intervention and prevention initiatives:
 * setting clear expectations for students and establishing school and classroom routines;
 * creating safe school and classroom environments for all students, including for students with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender students, and homeless students;
 * using appropriate and positive responses and reinforcement, even when students require discipline;
 * using positive behavioral supports;
 * encouraging adults to develop positive relationships with students;
 * modeling, teaching, and rewarding pro-social, healthy, and respectful behaviors;
 * using positive approaches to behavioral health, including collaborative problem-solving, conflict resolution training, teamwork, and positive behavioral supports that aid in social and emotional development;
 * using the Internet safely; and
 * supporting students’ interest and participation in non-academic and extracurricular activities, particularly in their areas of strength.