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The Iowa Department of Education provides information and support to Iowa Schools in their efforts to address bullying and harassment issues in schools.
Legal Requirements and Reports
New Law in Iowa - 2007
All school boards, public and those of accredited non-public
schools are to have the anti-bullying/anti-harassment policy adopted on or
before September 1, 2007.
http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/995/104
Sample Policy and
Guidelines
The Iowa
Department of Education (DE) and the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB)
provided a sample policy that addresses the requirements of the new
legislation. This is a sample policy and it is recommended that school
districts consult their legal counsel in developing local policies.
http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/942/104/
Nondiscrimination in
Education
In addition to the 17 traits or characteristics in the new
bullying bill, the Iowa
legislature this year amended the Iowa Civil Rights Act (Iowa Code chapter 216)
to add sexual orientation and gender identity.
http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/996/104/
17 protected traits or characteristics in the Law
In the law there are seventeen areas specifically addressed as protected for students. They are: real or perceived age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status. Harassment against employees based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age or disability is also protected.
AEA Support for Bullying and Harassment Prevention Intervention
Iowa AEAs and some school districts have Trained Specialists in bullying prevention and intervention. Each Staff member listed here has been trained in Olweus an International Program implemented in over a dozen countries across the world. It is recognized by Safe and Drug Free Schools as an Exemplary Program. In addition Olweus is recognized by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Center for the Study and Prevention and Violence (University of Colorado), as one of only 11 Blueprints for Violence Prevention. Please contact a trainer from the list for support and information or contact Penny Bisignano , Olweus Contact, Iowa Department of Education. You will also find other supports and information at AEA websites across the state.
10 Components of Quality Bullying Prevention Programs
A guide developed for you with ten components and further descriptors to help you evaluate any bullying prevention programs you might consider.
 10 Components of Quality Bullying Prevention Programs 2007-10-18 15:17:17
Program Selection Guidelines for Bullying and Harassment
As schools begin to implement their policies and practices with regard to anti-bullying and harassment issues, the Iowa Department of Education's document provides an excerpt from "Preventing Bullying Policy." These excerpts are intended as a starting point to sort those programs that hold the greatest potential for success from those that have the best marketing strategy. It is titled: Program Selection Guidelines.
Program Selection Guidelines 2007-10-24 12:51:49
Analyzing Existing Bullying Behaviors
An Iowa Youth Survey Toolkit has been created to help schools analyze existing data on bullying. Go to: http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/503/919/1/2 and scroll down to find "Risky Behavior and Bullying" Toolkit and Excel data sheet.
The Olweus program includes the administration and follow-up of a data tool called the BVQ. (Bully, Victim Questionnaire) Questions on the Iowa Youth Survey regarding bullying and harrassment are closely aligned with the BVQ. See your AEA Olweus Trainer for more information regarding the BVQ.
Iowa School Board Association Presentation, May 2007
You will find a PowerPoint presentation for school administrators and school board members across Iowa delivered as a component to the spring 2007 workshop addressing the new bullying and harassment law.
 Iowa School Board Presentation 2007-10-18 15:30:14
Iowa Public Television ICN Series Anti-Bullying and Harassment
October 16, 2007 ICN Session: Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Part I (Definitions, Effects of Bullying, What works and what doesn't, Bullying Data, Possible Next Steps) A professional development session already prepared for a district or building to use in conjunction with efforts to understand the new law and reduce bullying and harassment in schools.
Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Presentation
Anti-Bullying Listening Guide 2007-10-22 16:12:26
Resources
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers flash movies, games, and information about bullying and how to prevent it. Take a look at the webepisodes. They are free and can be downloaded. http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.asp
Contact
Penny Bisignano, Olweus Contact
515-281-7806
Penny.Bisignano@iowa.gov
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PK-12 Education 
