School Violence: America's Nightmare Demands Leadership

American flags are once again lowered to half-staff to mourn the loss of innocent life at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California.

In response to yet another tragedy, I communicated my condolences to the California Attorney General via response to his Twitter statement. My response was as follows:

"AG Becerra, my condolences to CA for this tragic loss of innocent life. Visionary leadership - rise to the occasion with moral courage in collaboration with AG's nationwide - intensify efforts - stop the carnage. Violence is preventable .. starting points: Five Preliminary Tips For Improving American School Security"

Article Excerpt:

Professional Development Programs: these programs are important for all staff members and must include coaches, parents, cafeteria personnel, SRO’s, board of education members, and all involved with the school. Some of the topics I have covered in my professional development programs include Ambassadors of Community Transformation, American School Violence Prevention, Character Education: Vital to the School Community, Early Warning Signs: Preventing a School Violence Crisis, Crisis Planning, Transforming Our Schools: The Heart and Brick of School Security, 21st Century Parenting: Interested, Informed, Involved, and Creating a Culture of Achievement and Character.

Insights from classic government documents including Early Warning Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools, Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Safe Schools and Communities, The Final Report And Findings Of The Safe School Initiative: Implications For The Prevention Of School Attacks In The United States, and Threat Assessment in Schools: A Guide To Managing Threatening Situations And To Creating Safe School Climates should also be incorporated into training programs.

Character Development Initiatives for Students: Schools must provide the leadership to instill a culture of character. Developing students with hearts of character built on the pillars of honesty, respect, civility, and patriotism must be paramount throughout America’s educational communities. Character is critical for transforming America and ending its culture of violence. Character education must be consistent, exemplified, and rewarded in our schools. Students must be inspired to realize that lives of character influence their schools, families, communities, and the very heart of the nation.

Note Well: Five Preliminary Tips for Improving American School Security was published as cover story for The Chief of Police, and also for The Sentinel Newsletter and Epoch Times. It is also included in my newest book Reawakening America.