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Bystander Study, follow up to Safe School Intiative Study
Report on school-based violence released, June 2008.

The report, "Prior Knowledge of Potential School-Based Violence: Information Students Learn May Prevent a Targeted Attack," commonly referred to as the Bystander Study, was recently issued by the United States Secret Service, the United States Department of Education, and McLean Hospital.  One of the most significant findings from the SSI is that prior to most school attacks, other children had knowledge about an imminent incident and did not report what they knew could potentially occur.  Researchers in this study note that creating a positive school climate in which students believe the school staff genuinely want to hear from them about threats or possible attacks is critical to preventing future Columbine-like school violence. This study serves as a follow-up to the Safe School Initiative (SSI) study published in 2002. The report is available at: www.secretservice.gov/ntac/bystander_study.pdf.





Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

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