Safe, Orderly and Healthy Schools Resources

Mandated Support in Education

For years, system-engaged families, public defenders, family court judges, social workers and others in child welfare have been calling for new tools and approaches for mandated reporting. The term “mandated support,” coined by JMACforFamilies, outlines a more expansive approach and a broader menu of ethical options for caring professionals. As legislatures and organizations adopt this alternative approach, the AFT has developed an action framework on Mandated Support in Education.

Nobody Wins: Educators' Perspectives on Mandatory Reporting

This report presents key findings from a 2024 survey conducted by the AFT in collaboration with the University of California, Irvine. Over 1,100 educators shared their experiences with mandatory reporting. This publication contextualizes the findings within existing academic research and outlines a comprehensive agenda for mandated support in education.

Leading the Way: AFT-WV Advances School Safety Measures

The American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia (AFT-WV) passed safe schools legislation in March 2008. By conducting a case study examining the event and the circumstances surrounding it, this report reveals the strategies AFT-WV employed to ensure successful passage of the legislation. This report also highlights the ways in which the union can achieve power. (June 2009)

Building Minds, Minding Buildings: Our Union's Road Map to Green and Sustainable Schools

This is the second report from the Building Minds, Minding Buildings campaign. It provides information to arm our affiliates in their efforts to promote green school construction and maintenance, and outlines the AFT's recommendations for building or renovating healthy, high performing schools. (January 2009)

Safe and Orderly Schools Posters

Post these colorful posters in your school's staff lounge, on the union bulletin board or wherever else is appropriate. Contact the AFT for bulk pricing. Print size is 24" x 18"(June 2008)

Tips for Student Discipline

Here are some specific tips that can help you establish, maintain or restore order in the classroom, many of which can be used on the school bus, the playground, or any other place where school employees supervise students. (1999)

Managing Student Behavior for School-Based Secretaries

Tips for school secretaries on handling student discipline issues. (2007)

Managing Student Behavior for School Bus Drivers

Tips for school bus drivers on handling school discipline issues. (2007)

Building Minds, Minding Buildings: Turning Crumbling Schools into Environments for Learning

This report provides an overview of the condition of schools, the affect of those conditions on the ability of students to learn and staff to do their jobs; and outlines action for the AFT and our affiliates at the national, state and local level. (December 2006)