Evidence-based Procedures Increase Survival Odds

June 30, 2014 by Stephen Satterly

Evidence-based Procedures

SafeSchools Training announced a a new Active Shooter for Administrators course, written by Michael and Chris Dorn. The course outlines methods to improve the odds of survival during an active shooter event, using evidence-based procedures.

From the article, “Developed in conjunction with Michael and Chris Dorn of Safe Havens International, the new SafeSchools Training Active Shooter for Administrators online course provides an overview for administrators that focuses on techniques that are proven to reduce the likelihood of violence on campus or, in the event of a violent incident, increases the likelihood of safety for students and staff. For instance, the course covers research-based strategies – such as Enhanced School Lockdown – that can be used in response to an active shooter on campus. This course is intended to be used along with a district’s Emergency Operations Plan or Crisis Response Plan.”

Analysis

There are numerous training programs that schools are using to prepare themselves for an Active Shooter Incident (ASI). Very few of them use evidence-based procedures. It seems that they are either grasping at proverbial straws to show that they are doing something, or are accepting what law enforcement officers are offering without using a critical eye on the programs they are implementing in schools. It is not an either/or proposition.

Schools need to critically analyze any program they implement for children, especially when it involves a child’s safety. In schools, data and research drive their educational decisions, so why not safety decisions?

After Sandy Hook, it is natural that schools and parents take a critical look at how schools prepare for ASI’s. A critical evaluation should include a look at any research and data that helps identify the true scope of the problem, as well as the nature of any response that might be developed. The lives of our children demand this, and are too important to entrust to unproven procedures.

Filed Under: Safe Havens Blog, Stephen Satterly Tagged With: Active Shooter Incident, Chris Dorn, critical evaluation, evidence-based procedures, michael dorn, Safe Havens International, SafeSchools Training

School Threat in New York State

June 23, 2014 by Stephen Satterly

School Threat

There was a threat of violence made against Marbletown Elementary School in the Rondout Valley School District. The school received a letter threatening violence of an unspecified nature. it is being investigated by the State Police, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department, and the U.S. Postal Service.

Analysis

Schools will often get threats that go unfulfilled. However, schools cannot fall into the trap of assuming there is no merit to the threat, without performing a thorough threat assessment, along with law enforcement. It can be a time-consuming process, but it is one that requires full participation, and documentation.

It is best if this process is spelled out in advance, with roles for each participating agency written out. The school should practice this regularly, if actual threats do not materialize. It would not be prudent, in the face of an actual threat, to waste time wondering what should be done, and how.

The U.S. Department of Education has an excellent tool for threat assessment. Schools should consider using this tool for evaluating school threats. It contains the process for immediate assessments, followed by a more thorough assessment of the individual making the threat. it stresses the use of a multi-disciplinary tea,.

Filed Under: Stephen Satterly Tagged With: Marbletown Elementary School, school threat, school violence, State Police, threat, Threat assessment, U.S. Postal Service

Bristol School Safety Subject of Parent Email

June 9, 2014 by Stephen Satterly

Bristol School Safety

In light of recent threats on various campuses, the city’s superintendent sent an email top his stakeholders, outlining the various measures the district was taking to maintain Bristol school safety.

These measures included increased police surveillance, video camera surveillance, established evacuation and lockdown procedures, locked entrances at all schools, safety officials and services in each building, assemblies and meetings to discuss safety and security, mandatory sign-in and out procedures for students, and the mandated use of staff ID badges and student passes.

Bristol Schools received 8 threats in an 10 day period. An arrest was made of three students, a 13-year old and two 10-year olds for one of the more recent threats.

Analysis

It appears that the superintendent is taking the correct steps in addressing the situation, including communicating with his stakeholders on the nature of the problem, and the steps the schools are taking to address the issue. It also seems that there is good coordination between the schools and first responders.

When the issue has been resolved, it would do the schools well to examine their climates and cultures. There may be nothing wrong with the climates in their schools, but something has led to this rash of threats. Whether it is a student feeling a sense of injustice, or trying to get out of classes at the end of the year, the school should try to identify the causes and address them, or they may find themselves facing this situation again.

Anytime there is a school safety issue in a school, take immediate steps to remedy the symptoms, but don’t forget to analyze the issue and identify the root cause. This often requires taking an honest look at yourself, and so people often avoid this step. Don’t. The safety of children is no place for bruised egos.

Filed Under: Stephen Satterly Tagged With: evacuation, lockdown, police, superintendent, surveillance, threats