The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study is to explore the perception of middle school parents regarding the efficacy and effects of multi-option response drills that are conducted in schools with the intent to improve readiness for a critical shooting incident. Participants were parents of current middle school students who have participated in at least one multi-option response school safety drill. An important element behind this study is the required implementation of multi-option response drills in schools when very little empirical evidence justifies the efficacy of such drills in improving school readiness or safety (Cornell, 2015). Analysis of the data revealed six key themes: parent support for multi-option response drills; unannounced and realistic drills; debriefing; participation and sense of preparedness; parental awareness and preparedness for a critical incident; and child demonstrating understanding. The impact on leadership and practice are presented along with recommendations for school administrators in planning and executing multi-option response drills at the middle-school level. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]