School Security and Academic Achievement (1 CE)
This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, MFTs, and School Psychologists
Course By: Cara M. Bliss, Ph.D., NCSP
Content By: Tanner-Smith, E.E. and Fisher, B.W. (2016). Visible school security measures and student academic performance, attendance, and postsecondary aspirations. J Youth Adolescence, 45, 195-210. doi: 0.1007/s10964-015-0265-5
Course Description: Visible security measures commonly employed in U.S. schools include security personnel, surveillance cameras, and metal detectors, but the use of these measures remains controversial. The existing research has been premised on behavioral outcomes. However, proponents of school security measures argue that safe learning environments should also benefit academic performance. Data from two large-scale, national surveys was used to examine relations between patterns of visible school security and academic outcomes. There was no evidence to suggest that visible school security measures benefit academic outcomes. Modest negative academic effects were identified for certain patterns of school security after controlling for potentially confounding variables. Academic outcomes were lowest in schools that employed the three aforementioned security measures; effects were strongest in schools with more economically disadvantaged students. Resultantly, school security measures that are intended to promote positive outcomes may have unintended, negative consequences. Additional research is needed to better understand how school security measures impact student well-being.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify one primary goal and one secondary goal that commonly underlie the decision to use visible school security measures
- Summarize two hypotheses related to the potential impacts of visible school security measures on students’ academic and behavioral outcomes
- Describe at least three major findings and one significant limitation identified in the study
Course Outline:
- Review and understand Visible school security measures and student academic performance, attendance, and postsecondary aspirations
- Review the course description and learning objectives
- Consider the motivations underlying the use of visible school security, competing perspectives concerning the impact of school security on student development, and findings in the accompanying article pertaining to the effects of visible school security measures on academic outcomes
- Work through the post-test questions; keep in mind that answer selections should be derived from the accompanying article
- Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the subject matter
Approvals:
Board Approvals | American Psychological Association (APA), NBCC, Florida Board - Social Work, MFT, Counseling, and Psychology, NYSED - Social Work, MFT and Counseling Only, American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders |
---|---|
CE Format | Online, Text-Based |