Colorado Trust Bullying Prevention Initiative (BPI) $8.6 million over 3 years ( ) 45 grantees; 78 schools throughout Colorado Independent evaluation included  surveys of ~ 6,000 students, (pre & post x 3) and 1,500 adults (72% teachers, rest support staff, custodial, cafeteria, bus drivers)  Focus groups with students  In-depth interviews with grantees The Colorado Trust Bullying Prevention Initiative1

Underlying assumptions of the Bullying Prevention Initiative:  Bullying is social in nature and occurs where people know each other;  interventions must move beyond individual change and toward the social context We believe…. if we can change the context (nature of interpersonal relationships)…. if we can change the culture (normative beliefs about bullying and willingness to help out in bullying situations)… Then we can reduce negative bystander behavior and increase willingness to intervene in bullying situations The Colorado Trust Bullying Prevention Initiative2

3- year grants made to schools or school districts for evidence-based or “promising practice” programs Olweus and BPYS most popular programs implemented All schools had to accept TA on integrating cultural competency into their programming All schools had to participate in evaluation – Facilitate the consent form process – Provide class time for survey administration – Participate in local evaluation with coach The Colorado Trust Bullying Prevention Initiative3

School level Impact evaluation – a few key findings of interest (there are many more) 50%  in one or more indicators of positive school culture 36%  on one or more indicators of positive school context 49% schools reported  in bullying perpetration, victimization or negative bystander behavior 63% reported  in positive school climate, sig association with  rates of bullying and negative bystander behavior Improvements in context and culture are significantly linked to reductions in bullying and negative bystander behavior The Colorado Trust Bullying Prevention Initiative4

In the final analysis…… Improvements in school culture  In bullying and negative bystander behavior Higher academic achievement as measured by CSAP The Colorado Trust Bullying Prevention Initiative5

Overall process lessons learned for funders  Must be integrated with other efforts and infused into daily school life; foster alignment with other school programs, not competition  Most difficult to implement in HS, may be too late by then anyway  HS & MS prevalence of verbal and cyber bullying very high  Start small and build – schools need to test and make adjustments, all classes at once overwhelming  Coordination is essential FTE management critical – and sustainable (while FTE is not)  Engaging families was challenging (almost impossible)  Leadership at all levels was key – principal, teachers, school board  Bullying occurs at teacher/staff level as well and influences outcome of work with youth The Colorado Trust Bullying Prevention Initiative6

7 Nancy B. Csuti, DrPH, MPH Director of Research, Evaluation & Strategic Learning The Colorado Trust 1600 Sherman Street Denver, CO Phone Toll free Fax