Creating a peaceful school learning environment: a controlled study of an elementary school intervention to reduce violence.
OBJECTIVE
The impact of a manual-based antiviolence program on the learning climate in an elementary school over 4 years was compared with the outcome in a control school.


METHODS
The two schools were matched for demographic characteristics. The intervention in the experimental school was based on zero tolerance for bullying; the control school received only regular psychiatric consultation. Disciplinary and academic achievement data were collected in both schools.


RESULTS
The experimental school showed significant reductions in discipline referrals and increases in scores on standardized academic achievement measures.


CONCLUSIONS
A low-cost antiviolence intervention that does not focus on individual pathology or interfere with the educational process may improve the learning environment in elementary schools.
Twemlow
S W
SW
Child and Family Center, The Menninger Clinic, Topeka, USA. Stuart.Twemlow@Austenriggs.net
Fonagy
P
P
Sacco
F C
FC
Gies
M L
ML
Evans
R
R
Ewbank
R
R
D000124:Achievement; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000458:organization & administration; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012931:Social Environment; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control*