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Research and Evaluation on School Safety: An Evaluation of State School Safety Centers, Final Report

NCJ Number
310198
Author(s)
Date Published
December 2024
Length
48 pages
Annotation

This publication presents the results of a national study on State School Safety Centers (SSSCs) funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

Abstract

This report on State School Safety Centers (SSSCs) provides an overview of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ)–funded National Evaluation of SSSCs. This study conducted the first systematic national exploration into SSSCs, and the resulting report summarizes the study goals, evaluation questions, methodology, and outcomes. More detailed study findings are available in the evaluation briefs and reports generated by this study. SSSCs aim to provide training, technical assistance (TA), and other resources to address school safety needs. However, until now, very little has been known about SSSCs, including the exact number of SSSCs, how they are structured, their areas of focus, and how superintendents, principals, and other users perceive their SSSC. A stronger understanding of SSSC models and perceived impacts can promote cross-state learning, allow for promising approaches and models to be replicated, and ultimately have the potential to improve the safety of students and educators. The goals of this evaluation included developing a firm understanding of the history; characteristics, structure, activities, and perceived impacts of SSSCs across the U.S.; and using this information to identify promising SSSC practices and models for replication, expansion, and evaluation. Ultimately, study findings were intended to contribute to improved functioning of SSSCs, more intentional development of new SSSCs, and more coordinated state efforts to improve local jurisdictions efforts in addressing school safety.

Date Published: December 1, 2024