Dive Brief:
- According to the latest Civil Rights Data Collection Survey, more than 85% of Florida and Texas districts had zero bullying incidents on the basis of race, sex or disability during the 2013-14 school year, but experts say the data can’t be true.
- The San Diego Union Tribune reports 62% of districts nationwide reported no bullying incidents that school year, even though a 2011 American Association of University Women study found more than half of girls in grades seven through 12 experienced some form of sexual harassment.
- Experts say districts with no reported bullying incidents could have schools where students don’t feel comfortable reporting it or where teachers aren’t trained to identify it or take it to school administrators, but they almost certainly do not include schools where bullying and harassment don’t exist.
Dive Insight:
The Civil Rights Data Collection Survey is conducted every other year and schools are asked to self-report on a range of civil rights concerns. In many ways, the data provides a useful way to identify the opportunity gaps in U.S. schools, like access to advanced coursework or highly trained teachers. When it comes to school environment, however, the data is hard to trust. Schools that report dozens or even hundreds of bullying incidents seem less safe than schools that report zero, but they are more likely to be examples of places in which victims are encouraged to come forward.
Schools are required to provide safe environments for teaching and learning. With back-to-school already here in many districts, it is a good time to brush off reporting policies and procedures and make sure students know their rights and how to report any issues.