Date
8-2024
ESRP 9000 Professor
David B. Ross, Ed.D.
ESRP 9001 Professor
David B. Ross, Ed.D.
Executive Summary
A chronic issue faced by academic institutions is the comprehensive problem of school security, encompassing various aspects that leave students, staff, and overall school safety vulnerable to threats. Schools spend substantial resources addressing safety concerns such as shootings, violence, bullying, and drug abuse. School safety is influenced by interpersonal, individual, and systemic factors, necessitating the discovery of underlying factors and effective strategies. Neglecting school safety can lead to casualties, low academic performance, deteriorating mental health, and overall inefficiencies in addressing this critical aspect.
This strategic research project was designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of Blankner School K-8's internal and external factors, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and evaluating strategic options through the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). The Internal Factor Evaluation Matrix revealed notable strengths such as effective fundraising, robust political capital, advanced teacher training, and modern science, technology, engineering and technology, culminating in a weighted score of 2.36. However, significant weaknesses include aging infrastructure, budget limitations, and outdated curricula.
Externally, opportunities for growth include leveraging earned media, enhancing parent engagement, and integrating educational technology, leading to a weighted score of 2.40. Conversely, threats such as limited public funding, increased high-stakes testing requirements, and safety concerns pose challenges.
The QSPM analysis compared two strategies: increasing school security funding and improving identification and support for at-risk students. The school security funding strategy achieved a higher total attractiveness score of 5.2, indicating a greater potential for addressing the identified threats effectively. This strategy encompasses enhancing physical security measures, such as surveillance cameras and bulletproof windows, and providing specialized training for teachers and staff to handle emergency situations, thereby creating a fortified learning environment.
In conclusion, the research recommends prioritizing the school security funding strategy to ensure a safe and secure educational setting at Blankner School K-8. Implementing comprehensive security measures and robust training programs will significantly enhance the safety and protection of students and staff, aligning with the school's commitment to providing a secure and conducive learning environment.
Document Type
Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
College
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education
Concentration
Curriculum and Teaching
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Michele Miller Smallwood EdD. 2024. Underlying Factors and Effective Strategies for Mitigating School Violence: Is Funding Enough?. Capstone. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. (255)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_srp/255.
