Dear Bullying Prevention Topic Team,
As this cohort draws to a close, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you for your participation, engagement, thoughtful feedback, and especially for all your amazing accomplishments. Whatever your starting point was at the beginning of the cohort, each of you has made significant progress in promoting and expanding bullying prevention in your respective states.
Our Topic Call on September 8th was an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the journey of the past 18 months, to consider your impact, and to share your next steps with the group.
Here are some of the highlights from our discussion:
California
- Finalizing a comprehensive brief/guidance document on bullying and best practices for prevention; recently updated the data section with new data; will share with the BP topic team when the document has been approved.
- In collaboration with the UCLA Center for Transformation of Schools, developed a supplement to their digital media literacy curriculum that focuses specifically on cyberbullying, with modules appropriate for different age groups.
Vermont
- Integrated bullying prevention training into professional development for school nurses statewide.
- Built and strengthened relationships across departments and state agencies.
- Moving forward, will be working collaboratively on resources promoting universal prevention practices.
Indiana
- After starting the cohort with a plan to collect qualitative data from young people across the state about their experiences with bullying, they received Title V funding to focus in on a pilot project in 6 middle schools to support their bullying prevention efforts. This project includes an evaluation component; students will be asked to complete a survey at the beginning and the end of the school year.
- Developed a toolkit which includes a Bullying Prevention Menu (available in portal as an attachment) with information about implementation, cost, and evidence base.
Massachusetts
- Working in collaboration with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to align language and focus on universal prevention through social emotional competencies.
- Funding youth programs throughout the state to integrate bullying prevention strategies.
Kentucky
- Supporting the implementation of Sources of Strength (evidence-based curriculum) in the schools located in 11 local health departments.
- Looking to expand to additional districts in the current fiscal year.
Please take some time to catch up on your monthly reporting and be sure to join the next STAW on leadership and management practices (October 21st 2:00-3:00p ET).
Team leads - We will be sending out the end of cohort questionnaire in early October, and we appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete it.