Connecting with Adolescents in School

School connectedness is the leading protective factor against multiple at-risk behaviors for adolescents. Its far-reaching influence, however, is not widely known. Here, the author provides valuable information about school connectedness, including strategies on how to strengthen life-saving ties with students. The chapters in this book are comprised of the five factors associated with school connectedness: *Closeness *Belonging *Happiness *Fairness *Safety Many books address bullying prevention and the importance of building relationships with students. This book ties the two together and goes a step further. School connectedness is a protective barrier against a host of at-risk behaviors including early sexual experimentation, tobacco use, alcohol and drug use, truancy, delinquency, violence, and dropping out. Educators, future teachers, and parents will benefit from learning more about the power of school connectedness and the simple steps to take to increase it.