The document discusses different types of data that states collect related to safe and drug-free schools, including truancy rates, incidents of violence and drug-related offenses, types of prevention programs and services provided, and student perceptions and behaviors related to drug use and violence. It notes challenges in collecting uniform and comparable data across schools and districts due to varying definitions and methods of data collection. Tennessee specifically collects data on suspensions, expulsions, victims of violence, and surveys of youth risk behaviors.

1. State Data Collection Relative to the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program Mike Herrmann Executive Director Office of School Safety and Learning Support Tennessee Department of Education February 20, 2007

2. Uniform Management Information and Reporting System Truancy Rates The frequency, seriousness, and incidence of violence and drug-related offenses resulting in suspension and expulsions in elementary schools and secondary schools in the State The types of curricula, programs, and services provided by the chief executive officer, the State educational agency, local educational agencies, and other recipients of funds ……. The incidence and prevalence, age of onset, perception of health risk, and perception of social disapproval of drug use and violence by youth in schools and communities.

3. Truancy Very difficult to arrive at a uniform definition. Excused vs. unexcused absences. Closely tied to larger local and state data collection challenges.

4. Incidents of Violence and Drug-Related Offenses Generally uniform definitions within States, but subject to local interpretation. More valuable as a trend measure than a comparison measure. Generally dependent upon disciplinary action. Some states collect “Incident” data. Tennessee collects “zero tolerance” and victims of violent crime data separate from discipline reports.

5. Types of curricula, programs, services, etc. Identifies how SDFS funds are being expended. May not accurately capture scope or fidelity of implementation.

6. Incidence and Prevalence, etc. Generally obtained through surveys and frequently available only at state level. In TN, Youth Risk Behavior Survey is administered statewide every other year. Some schools/districts use other surveys such as PRIDE and report enhanced local buy-in. Barriers to localized data include cost, FERPA, resistance from parents and educators, multiple survey requests.

7. Other State-Level Data Elements Persistently Dangerous Schools Criteria SDFS Performance Targets Gun Free Schools Act Kids Count AYP/Other Academic Data School Improvement/Climate Surveys Juvenile Court