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Kansas bullying task force shares recommendations

Posted at 9:12 PM, Dec 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-10 23:30:46-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas Blue Ribbon Task Force on Bullying is sharing seven recommendations for schools across the state in its final report.

Starting in April, a group of 35 people held hearings all over the state. This report is the culmination of that months-long effort. The top recommendations are:

1. Better support and direction for school districts.
2. Continue and develop the state’s focus on social-emotional and character development education to address school bullying.
3. Examine current state law and determine if it requires reconsideration.
4. Local policies and plans must focus on relationships, school climate and culture, and the mental health impact of bullying in schools.
5. The state needs better data on school bullying and measures for assessing program effectiveness.
6. Address cyberbullying.
7. Training, professional development and teacher preparation.

The full report is available here.

The State Board of Education is scheduled to take action on the report in January 2020.