Discussion Group Sessions

Following the keynote speaker's address and panel presentations that focused on initiatives underway to prevent youth violence in West Virginia schools and communities, participants broke into small groups for discussions on initiatives already underway in West Virginia, while examining what areas still need improvement.  Specifically, these groups discussed safe schools and healthy communities from many perspectives as teachers, parents, students, clergy, policy makers, safety personnel, counselors, and others.  Three questions helped structure the time of the discussion groups, focusing on effective general strategies, school-based actions, and government policy suggestions.

The discussion groups underscored the complexity of the problems; therefore, they urged that solutions must be multifaceted and approached as a school and community issue.  The discussion groups all stressed that such solutions need to be proactive, targeted at the youngest ages and reinforced throughout the subsequent years.

Discussion group responses were recorded by WVU facilitators.  These ideas were then categorized among several major themes: schools; parents/families; students; policy; community networks; and teachers. Responses were markedly consistent across the eight discussion groups. 

The first group was facilitated by Linda Birckhead Danley, Associate Director/Training Director at the WVU Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services.

The second group was facilitated by Florita S. Montgomery, Extension Associate Professor at the Office of Communications and Technology, WVU Extension Service.

The third group was facilitated by Joyce McConnell, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law, WVU College of Law.

The fourth group was facilitated by Sue Miles, Family Life Specialist with the WVU Extension Service.

The fifth group was facilitated by Anne H. Nardi, Associate Dean and Professor of Educational Psychology, WVU College of Human Resources and Education.

The sixth group was facilitated by Donna Patton, Associate Director of the Center for 4-H and Youth, Family and Adult Development, WVU Extension Service.

The seventh group was facilitated by L. Christopher Plein, Assistant Professor and Internship Coordinator with the Division of Public Administration, WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

The eighth group was facilitated by Phyllis Durden, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership Series with the WVU College of Human Resources and Education.