School Bullying in California - Research Paper Example

Running Head: SCHOOL BULLYING School Bullying (Date)IntroductionEven though there is no safe place from bullying there are some areas where bullying is worse. School bullying statistics show that about 77% of students are either bullied mentally or physically (GOV, 2009). It is estimated that 80% of adolescents are bullied during their school years, 90% of fourth to eighth graders as 15% of students bully regularly or are victims of bullying.

If asked students uniformly expressed their desire that teachers intervene rather than ignore teasing and bullying (Barrows, 1998).Current policyJigsaw ClassroomThis is a cooperative learning technique with a three decade track record of reducing racial conflict and increasing positive education outcomes. In this strategy just like in the jigsaw puzzle, each student’s part is essential. For example, students in a history class are divided in to may be five groups and the task being to learn about World War 2.

In one jigsaw group John can be responsible in researching about the rise to power of Adolf Hitler, May assigned to cover concentration Camps, Alex to cover Britain’s role in the war, Mike to research on the contribution of the Soviet Union. Eventually every student comes back to his jigsaw group and will try to present a well-organized report to the group. Thus if a member does not like the other he cannot do well on the test that follows (Barrows, 1998). This therefore encourages listening, engagement and empathy by giving everyone an essential part to play in the academic activity.

Policy Makers Metro Center offers technical assistance that utilizes consultation methods which builds strong-client consultation relationtionship that result in sustained change and improvement. Thus district and school representatives take an active role in coming to understand and assess their own concerns rather than having to rely solely on the knowledge and skills outside experts.The NYS Spanish Bilingual Education Technical Assistance center which is funded by the New York State office of Bilingual Education and Foreign Language studies has a goal to enhance the knowledge and competencies of parents, educators and community member implementation (Barrows, 1998).

Policy OptionsTeaching specific skills and values: The policy should target areas identified as universally to students. Skill acquisition and publication should be addressed and their roles in academic and social adult role modeling. Holding Parent meetings: Involving parents is essential. Group discussion is necessary as it conveys what the students and parents are learning.Pros and ConsTeachers and Parents have been supporting these policies like holding parent meetings. This is because through the meetings both the parents and teachers get to know the causes of school bullying and as such make necessary recommendations.

Students on the other hand are against some of the policies that have been put in place by the administration. Relative CostSince the government wants every school to have anti-bullying policy the set standard is high. The relative cost continues to increase as the school needs to hire policy makers and those who implement them. The state government for example has paid a total of $800,000 to students over the last seven years (Sydney Morning Herald, 2011). Implementation IssuesA research that was conducted by the Canadian government indicated that most of bullying activities go unnoticed by teachers.

This pose a major challenge in schools as some of the policies will not be implemented either due to lack of knowledge or goodwill. Teachers should therefore be well informed of all tactics used by bullies in their acts against other students. Recommendation Bullying especially in primary school age children is recognized as an antecedent to more violent behavior in later grades. Action is therefore needed to end purposeful harassment, and bullying. The studies done on the issue of bullying in this country and abroad have contributed to a growing knowledge that underscores the seriousness of bullying in schools.

Bullying is a form of harassment and anti-social behavior which cross-cuts geographic, racial and even socioeconomic segments of society. Children involved in bullying are at risk of long term, negative developmental outcomes which include both juvenile and adult criminal behavior. Therefore early intervention in homes, schools and community are the best ways of diverting children from this path.ReferencesAssociation of schools psychologists, N. (2009). Bullying Prevention and Intervention. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from http://www.

nasponline.org/resources/principals/nassp_bullying.aspxBarrows, D. (1998). Brave Enough To Be Kind . Retrieved April 14, 2011, from http://lincoln.midcoast.com/~wps/against/bullying.htmlGOV. (2009). Bullying Statistics / Cyber Bullying Statistics / School Bullying Statistics. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from http://www.how-to-stop-bullying.com/bullyingstatistics.htmlSydney Morning Herald. (2011). Schhol bullying and injuries. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/school-bullying-and-injuries-cost-state-millions-20100328-r55a.html