How Online Professional Development Empowers Educators to Effectively Address Bullying

Introduction:

Students with disabilities often experience higher rates of bullying and social exclusion in school. To address this issue, the University of Missouri has developed an evidence-based, online professional development curriculum for educators. The curriculum focuses on building rapport with students, recognizing warning signs, and incorporating social skills into classroom objectives. The goal is to prevent bullying and create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. With additional funding, the curriculum can be accessed by teachers nationwide. This article discusses the importance of addressing bullying among students with disabilities and highlights the benefits of the online curriculum.

Full Article: How Online Professional Development Empowers Educators to Effectively Address Bullying

Online Professional Development Curriculum Helps Educators Address Bullying of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities often face persistent bullying and social exclusion in schools. Recognizing the need for educators to effectively respond to and prevent bullying towards these students, researchers at the University of Missouri have collaborated to develop an evidence-based, online professional development curriculum.

The Importance of Building Rapport

The online curriculum emphasizes the value of teachers building strong rapport with their students. It encourages teachers to notice changes in student behavior as potential warning signs and highlights the importance of incorporating social and communication skills into classroom learning objectives. The curriculum also promotes the use of behavior-specific praise to showcase students’ strengths and foster collaboration among peers.

Pilot Study Success

A pilot study conducted in the southeastern region of the United States involved 200 elementary school teachers who successfully received and implemented the online curriculum. The researchers hope that with additional federal funding, the curriculum can be accessed by teachers nationwide.

Addressing Complicated Bullying Cases

Associate Professor Chad Rose from the MU College of Education and Human Development explains that teachers often feel ill-prepared to address bullying, especially when it involves at-risk youth or students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are frequently targeted for bullying, which can violate federal civil rights laws. The online curriculum offers teachers evidence-based information and can be completed in just four hours, making it more accessible and efficient compared to traditional in-person professional development courses that span an entire day.

Improving Classroom Climates

The online curriculum is divided into different modules covering the recognition and response to bullying, as well as strategies to improve classroom climates that reduce or prevent bullying. It suggests implementing social and communication skills as learning objectives in lesson plans and encourages teachers to praise students who exhibit positive interactions with others.

The Role of Social Exclusion

In a recent study conducted by Chad Rose, it was discovered that social exclusion is a more common form of bullying against students with disabilities compared to physical or verbal aggression. This highlights the need to create a more inclusive and accepting environment in schools.

Encouraging Self-Advocacy

The online curriculum also emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy for students who experience bullying. Students are encouraged to be assertive, know when to walk away from unsafe situations, and identify trusted individuals to report bullying incidents to.

Promoting Students’ Strengths

Rose encourages teachers to highlight students’ strengths in front of the entire class, shifting the focus from differences to positive attributes. By implementing behavior-specific praise, students’ self-perception can improve, leading to increased confidence and overall success.

A Personal Mission

Rose, who has been researching bullying prevention for 18 years and directs the Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab, is dedicated to helping students feel better about themselves. He emphasizes the importance of emphasizing what makes students great and building their confidence.

Future Support and Collaboration

The online curriculum is published in Education and Urban Society and was funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences. Future plans include incorporating “office hours” into the curriculum, allowing teachers to seek guidance and support from Rose and his team of bully prevention coaches for specific case studies.

Conclusion

With the online professional development curriculum, educators will be better equipped to address and prevent bullying of students with disabilities. By focusing on building rapport, recognizing warning signs, and promoting positive classroom climates, teachers can create safer and more inclusive learning environments for all students.

Summary: How Online Professional Development Empowers Educators to Effectively Address Bullying

A new online professional development curriculum has been developed to help educators recognize, respond to, and prevent bullying in school, particularly for students with disabilities. The curriculum emphasizes building rapport with students, identifying warning signs, and incorporating social and communication skills into classroom learning. It has been successfully implemented in a pilot study and researchers hope it can soon be accessed nationwide. Students with disabilities are often socially excluded, and the curriculum aims to improve classroom climates and reduce bullying. The curriculum can be completed online in four hours and provides evidence-based information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is online PD?

Online PD, or Professional Development, refers to educational training courses, workshops, or resources that are accessed and completed through the internet.

2. How can online PD help teachers respond to bullying?

Online PD provides teachers with valuable knowledge, strategies, and resources to effectively respond to bullying incidents in their classrooms or schools. It offers insights into understanding the dynamics of bullying, identifying warning signs, implementing prevention strategies, and applying appropriate interventions.

3. What are some key benefits of using online PD to address bullying?

Some key benefits of using online PD for addressing bullying include:

• Convenient access to resources and training materials at any time or place.
• Flexible learning options, allowing teachers to learn at their own pace.
• Opportunities for collaboration and sharing best practices with other educators.
• Engaging and interactive modules that enhance understanding and retention of concepts.
• Ongoing support and access to updated resources to address evolving bullying issues.

4. Are there any specific online PD programs that focus on bullying prevention?

Yes, there are various online PD programs specifically designed to address bullying prevention in educational settings. These programs provide comprehensive training modules, case studies, and practical tools to equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively respond to bullying incidents.

5. How can teachers ensure that online PD about bullying is credible and trustworthy?

When selecting online PD programs or resources related to bullying, teachers should:

• Verify the credibility of the program provider. Look for reputable organizations or institutions offering the training.
• Read reviews and testimonials from other educators who have completed the program.
• Check if the program aligns with recognized principles and evidence-based practices in bullying prevention.
• Assess the program’s content for clarity, references to research, and inclusion of practical strategies.
• Ensure the program emphasizes empathy, inclusivity, and a supportive approach to dealing with bullying.

FAQs sources:

These frequently asked questions have been compiled based on common inquiries related to online PD for helping teachers respond to bullying. The content is created to provide a general understanding and does not constitute professional advice.