The Connecticut General Assembly created a Social & Emotional Learning and School Climate Advisory Collaborative.  They met recently to talk about how school districts across the state have changed their bullying and school climate policies. 

One of the administrators who provided testimony was former Newtown Superintendent Dr Janet Robison, who now leads the Stratford School District.  She says they used to have an anti-bullying plan, even though that wasn't what it officially was called.  The plan has evolved because it was highly punitive.  While there were consequences, Robinson says the policy didn't get to the root of the problem and the involved students had to be together in the district for years. 

There's now three-pronged training to improve school climate.  Part involves responsive classrooms, there's restorative practices training, and trauma sensitive schools training.  Robinson says the professional development relies on preventing problems for occurring, and then if they do happen, make sure it's not just punitive reaction.