Step by Step to a Safer School, 2nd Edition

"Michael Hill is a foremost authority in helping to guide schools or school boards through the challenging maze in creating a safe school environment... In my years as a superintendent, Michael was a valued, credible and highly respected adviser on whom I relied upon frequently."

Jim Watt Education Officer – Ministry of Education

"Working with school administrators, students, parents, school trustees and law enforcement, Michael has successfully managed many complex safe schools issues with the overriding and compelling moral imperative of supporting student success."

Jim Spyropoulos
Co-ordinating Superintendent
Inclusive Schools, Students, Parent and Community
Toronto District School Board

How to Make Any School a Safer School

The second edition of this book has been timed to the passage of Ontario Bill 13 – Accepting Schools Act (the "Anti-Bullying Bill") passed in June 2012, and covers the subsequent Ontario Ministry of Education policy changes, which became effective February 1, 2013.

Written by an educator for educators, author Michael Hill was a safe schools administrator with the Toronto District School Board for over 10 years and has close to 40 years of experience in education. He knows what a daunting task schools face today when dealing with matters concerning safe schools legislation, school safety and student discipline and he shares his knowledge and expert advice in this practical, plainly written guide.

• Fully updated – Covers significant legislative and policy changes that have occurred since 2010
• Easy to follow format – Information is presented in plain language and point form
• Flowcharts – Provide step-by-step actions prescribed by legislation
• ‘Quick facts' – Serve as summaries of key points
• Case studies, checklists and photos – Illustrate actual safe-school situations and provide advice on best practices
• Quick reference to legislation and policies – Provide practical guidelines for handling a variety of incidents
• Explanation of roles and responsibilities – of school boards, principals, teachers, students, parents, community partners; and the police
• Practical insights about handling hot issues – Including suspensions and expulsions; conducting investigations; search and seizure; emergency preparedness; and youth gangs

• Ontario Bill 13 Policy Changes – Discusses the amendments from this Bill which have set the stage for the Ministry of Education policy and program changes, and covers the training needed in order to cope with these changes
• Includes a summary of a school shooting at C.W. Jefferys C.I. – Offering a case study that gives school board administrators and teachers an understanding of how they should respond to such a situation

• School boards – On how to respond to safe schools issues
• School administrators – Who need to provide training and directives to staff
• Colleges and universities offering education programs – As a course text on student discipline and school safety
• In-House counsel of education institutes – As a guide when advising clients, providing directives or drafting policies relating to school safety
• Education associations
• Principals' Councils and Associations
• The Ontario Ministry of Education
• Youth organizations