About the CSES - Our History

From the Safe Schools Coalition
to the
Coalition for Safe and Effective Schools

In 1992 a group of volunteers, committed to reducing violence in schools and communities, banded together to form the Safe Schools Coalition (SSC).  From the very beginning the SSC embraced two foundational goals.  First, create a network of organizations dedicated to the common cause of promoting health and safety.  Second, create an effective means of mitigating the causes and consequences of violence by bringing together diverse voices, diverse interests, and diverse expertise. Through the expertise and practical wisdom of educators, law enforcement, policy makers, counselors, students, parents and others, the Safe Schools Coalition believed that some solutions to the problem of violence could be found through collaboration, cooperation, and developing a shared voice. 

From 1992 to 2004, the SSC organized and delivered well over 30 national and international joint conferences on sexual assault and harassment, gangs and schools, alternatives to suspension and expulsion, school crisis management, and teaching tolerance.  At each conference, participants formed networks and gained practical information that helped sustain their efforts to reduce violence.  These conferences provided professional training, cutting edge research, policies, best practices, and moral support for those who worked “in the trenches” with those at risk.

The success of each conference and the success of the SSC can be attributed to three critical factors. First, the SSC was an all volunteer organization. Volunteers were not paid. The reward came from the good work of helping others. This helped keep costs to a minimum and the focus on the mission of the SSC.  Second, the SSC had the generous financial backing of Learning Publications. Learning Publications carried much of the large financial risk of mounting each large scale conference. Finally, the SSC received the support of countless cosponsoring organizations. Ranging from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, to U.S. Department of Justice, to the National Association of Elementary School Principals, to the National Education Association, to National Association of State Boards of Education, to the National Council of La Raza, and on and on; the over 100 cosponsoring organizations played a key role in bringing together the diverse viewpoints that made each conference a true success.

When SSC was first formed, it was hoped that this all volunteer organization eventually would be taken over by a university or foundation.  In 2004, Learning Publications ceased operations, thus ending the financial backing for SSC. After 12 years and dozens of conferences and the retirement of several founding volunteers meant it was time for the SSC to disband. Frankly, what was not expected was the outpouring of support and the desire of so many to continue to offer these unique conferences. The need to continue the connection remained.  

Responding to this demand, in 2005 the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay agreed to partner with the volunteers and begin again the process of bringing together diverse voices, diverse interests, and diverse expertise. With new partners that include the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay and the National Alternative Education Association, the ideals and mission of the SSC endure today with the Coalition of Safe and Effective Schools (CSES).