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Knowledge and Perceptions of Educators on Bullying and Bullying Prevention

Grant Winners

  • Meline Kevorkian, Ed.D. – Abraham S. Fischler School of Education
  • Pat Blackwelder, Ph.D. – Oceanographic Center
  • Phillip Fanwick, Ph.D. – Purdue University
  • Kevin Belfield, Ph.D. – University of Central Florida
  • Jerome Haky, Ph.D. – Florida Atlantic Universtiy

Dean

  • H. Wells Singleton – Abraham S. Fischler School of Education

Abstract

Award Winners

This collaborative study will explore the knowledge and perceptions of educators nationally and internationally. In order for any bullying prevention program to be successful those involved must believe that bullying and teasing are a problem. Bullying is a serious problem in the United States and other countries (Schnohr & Niclasen, 2006; Kuntsche, Pickett, Overpeck, Craig, Boyce, & de Matos, 2006). The benefits of identifying the knowledge and perceptions of educators will provide a foundation for creating the shared vision and belief structure necessary to combat bullying. Bullying and teasing are linked to school violence (Hostile Hallways, 2001; Metzler, Biglan, Rusby, & Sprague, 2001; Twemlow, Fonagy, Sacco, Gies, Evans, & Ewbank, 2001). Potentially, this study could provide additional research to help educational leaders and officials engender the shared vision necessary for an action plan in bullying prevention. This study will utilize a survey and focus groups to identify the knowledge and perceptions of educators from diverse backgrounds and various geographic areas, as well as, teacher and administrator perceptions and misconceptions regarding bullying to provide the basis for formulating a shared vision and action plan to prevent bullying in schools. The Fischler School of Education and Human Services and Center for Psychological Studies will be working together to provide this research, which will be used to help prepare pre-service and practicing teachers to understand and potentially reduce bullying and improve safety in our schools.

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