Literature Review on the Intersection of Safe Learning Environments and Educational Achievement

A safe school is one that is free of danger and possible harm for students, but in reality, violence in schools is a global phenomenon. Moreover, studies in developing countries indicate that school violence is especially prevalent in such settings. For example, more than half of South African and Botswanan children say they are bullied “approximately weekly.” Despite considerable progress in documenting and conceptualizing school violence, surprisingly few studies in any part of the world have examined its impact on educational achievement. In view of this, RTI International was commissioned by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to conduct a literature review of the available evidence, with particular, but not sole, reference to developing countries. This literature review was performed through a systematic online search of academic journals. Relevant research reports from aid agencies and international non-governmental organizations were also considered.