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A new study suggests a disparity in public schools' efforts to protect their students
Published September 4, 2018
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A new study by the American Civil Liberties Union and the UCLA Civil Rights Project shows a gap between the number of security officers and mental health workers in public schools.
Here are some key findings from the study.*
*Based on US Department of Education data from the 2015-2016 school year.
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The number of public schools in the United States, as of 2016
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The number of sworn law enforcement officers reported in public schools
The number of social workers reported in public schools
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During the 2015-2016 school year, more than
students attended schools that reported having school resource officers (law enforcement), but no social workers.
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The ratio of students to counselors in public schools as recommended by the American School Counselors Association.
The actual ratio of students to counselors. That represents a caseload 78% greater than what professionals recommend.
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students are enrolled in schools that don’t meet that recommended ratio.
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The ACLU's report comes as schools across the US are grappling with school safety and student well-being.
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Some schools are considering arming teachers, and there are debates over what kind of school security measures can be supported with federal funds.
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The ACLU’s report suggests schools should devote more resources to hiring mental health and support personnel, such as guidance counselors and social workers, than investing in more security systems.
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