Public school trauma responses to school shootings in the USA would benefit from a greater focus on trauma intervention in the aftermath of a shooting. The current research explored school staff attitudes toward public school trauma response after school shootings. This phenomenological study was conducted with 12 public school staff members with…

You will soon discover that it literally takes a village to create and implement an effective crisis plan. A host of professionals, from students to first responders, contribute to a cohesive crisis plan. No one wants to plan for the worst, but we must take in the task of protecting the lives we are entrusted with daily. While this may seem like…

A suburban elementary school experiences an emergency evacuation. This evacuation event reveals trust and safety concerns. Some parents, staff members, and children express safety concerns, and a key school staff member questions the judgment of another staff member during the emergency event, exacerbating existing tensions between the two. The…

This research study focuses on students' and faculty's awareness and preparedness during an active-shooter event. The study examines the perceptions and abilities of the students and faculty at a large southern university. The study surveys the participants current ability to use and their opinions of using the emergency alert notification system…

This research sought to develop an initial understanding of how mandated policies related to lockdown safety drills are enacted in response to active shooter scenarios within PK-Grade 12 public schools. In light of a scant research base exploring the effectiveness and impacts of such policies and procedures, we explored the question, "What…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of preschool teachers regarding crisis preparedness in independently funded childcare centers. This study was based on the integrated model of school crisis preparedness and intervention proposed by Jimerson, Brock, and Pletcher. This study examined how preschool teachers describe the…

K-12 administrators, such as district superintendents, school principals, and assistant principals, must support and engage in emergency management planning in order to develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive school emergency operations plans (EOPs). Engaging school administrators is crucial because their involvement is essential to…

The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center (REMS) has created a list of resources on developing comprehensive and equitable school safety plans that consider the whole child, whole school, and whole community. The list includes the following categories: (1) Equity in School Systems; (2) School-Based Law…

A key component of comprehensive school and higher ed emergency operations plans (EOPs) is an exercise program that includes the five types of exercises: (1) orientations, (2) tabletop exercises, (3) drills, (4) functional exercises, and (5) full-scale exercises. The exercise program can be developed during Step 5 of the six-step planning process…

Purpose and Method of Study: The purpose of this action research school-wide case study was to compare the different perceptions of stakeholders at Wesleyan Christian School (WCS) regarding a safe school climate. A needs assessment was conducted surveying the different stakeholders to assess the changes and improvements needed. The primary factor…

Educators are underprepared to respond to crises related to school safety. This lack of preparation leaves school leaders, teachers, and students vulnerable to harm. Importantly, the recent global health pandemic increased the utilization of online and hybrid learning modes increasing the need for school safety planning specific to these online…

Background: Test-to-stay (TTS) is a strategy to limit school exclusion following an exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We evaluated the use of TTS within universally masked kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) school settings following household SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Methods: Three hundred twenty-two…

School shootings have been a constant looming threat for students across the US, with the number of shootings on campuses dramatically increasing in recent years. In response, schools have instituted preparedness and response measures, including school-shooter drills. This essay examines the relationship between active-shooter drills and two…

In recent years, the school environment has witnessed an increase in the array of crises that are affecting communities, students, and staff. Providing adequate school safety policies and practices has never been such a central focus for federal and local politicians, school leaders, and community members. The importance of addressing school…

The Office of Higher Education is required by the Minnesota Legislature to publish the Study Abroad Health and Safety Annual Report, which serves to inform students and parents about significant health and safety incidents occurring during study abroad. This report provides data for Minnesota colleges and universities for the years 2015-2021. This…