This publication summarizes research on the benefits of safe-school planning, provides examples of successful programs and strategies, and offers a step-by-step planning process that school teams can apply to their individual campuses and student populations. It also reflects new state and federal laws that established California's School Safety Violence Protection Act and the federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Chapter titles reflect the book's content: Chapter 1, "Safe Schools: Respect and Connection for Every Student"; Chapter 2, "What We've Learned about Safe and Effective Schools"; Chapter 3, "Beyond the School Door"; Chapter 4, "The Safe School Model"; Chapter 5, "Component 1--The School Climate"; and Chapter 6, "Component 2--The Physical Environment." Appendices contain the following information: California's policy on school safety, discipline, and attendance; information on where to find sample policies; a planning guide for action containing requirements in existing California and federal programs; several safe-school questionnaires useful for planning; a list of statutes regarding school safety; various sample forms; a list of acronyms; and discussions on ways to include students in program design and implementation, including how to handle outsiders and other interference, suspension, expulsion, and involuntary transfer. (WFA)