What You Can Learn From School Safety Experts

Q: How does a crisis plan assessment work?

A crisis plan check looks at how the school plans to handle crises. It finds what's missing and suggests ways to get better prepared.

Q: How can crime and discipline data analysis benefit school safety?

Looking closely at crime and discipline data helps spot problems. It gives advice on how to get better and understand what the school needs for safety.

Less than half of schools have solid safety and security policies¹. More than 60% of schools lack good crisis plans¹. This shows how vital it is to learn from experts in school safety. They have years of experience in this area.

Contents

Experts in school safety work on making safety policies better. They check crisis plans and look at how well staff and security work. They also look at the school’s culture to find ways to get better¹. With their help, schools can get ready for emergencies and lower the risk of violence and accidents.

Key Takeaways

School safety experts give great advice on making safety policies, crisis plans, and security better.
Having full safety policies is key, but less than half of schools have them.
Experts look at the school’s culture to find ways to make it safer and more supportive.
Checking how staff are secure and making sure they supervise well can help keep schools safe.
Using experts in school safety can help schools deal with risks better and be more ready for emergencies.

Importance of School Safety Policies

Over 95% of kids in the U.S. spend a lot of time at school². Schools are key places to shape behaviors and ensure a safe learning space. But, sadly, violence, mental health issues, and suicidal thoughts have gotten worse in schools².

Safety Policy and Procedure Review

Reviewing school safety policies looks at their effectiveness and risks. It checks on policies about tech use, reporting crimes, and more. This includes how schools handle gangs, media, medical issues, sexual offenses, and force.

Crisis Plan Assessment

Checking crisis plans is also crucial. It looks at how schools handle crises and what they can do better. This helps make sure schools follow the rules and are ready for emergencies, protecting them from legal issues.

Good safety policies and crisis plans are key for a safe school. By updating these plans, schools can tackle new threats. This keeps students and staff safe.

Personnel and Internal Security Measures

Keeping schools safe is key. A thorough personnel and internal security audit³ checks how well schools protect themselves and their community. It looks at security steps, follows state and federal laws, and checks new hires’ backgrounds³.

Personnel and Internal Security Audit

This audit looks at how an organization works, like the training of security staff and their rules³. It checks if the organization follows laws and keeps private info safe³.

The audit checks how schools do background checks and keep people informed about staff’s criminal history³. It also looks at how the school tells the organization about any criminal issues with staff³.

Security Measure	2009-10	2019-20
Controlling access to school buildings	92%	97%
Using security cameras	61%	91%
Requiring faculty and staff to wear badges or picture IDs	63%	77%
Requiring students to wear badges or picture IDs	7%	10%

Public schools have gotten safer over time, as shown in the table⁴. Things like better building access control, more cameras, and ID badges have made schools safer⁴.

Good security steps are key to a safe school. Regular checks help schools find ways to get better and follow important rules to keep everyone safe³.

School Climate and Culture

The climate and culture of a school play a big role in stopping violence, bullying, and other crisis events⁵. Schools use surveys, observations, interviews, and formal assessments to check the climate and find areas that need work⁵.

Studies show that a positive school climate helps students build trust with peers and teachers. It leads to better behavior and outcomes⁶. Without a positive climate, students might feel left out and act out in bad ways⁶.

School Climate and Culture Assessments

Improving the school climate means schools work hard to make a positive place. They look at their practices and systems to get better⁶. Knowing the climate helps teachers see what’s needed, set goals, and track progress⁶.

The NJ School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey helps schools understand the climate from students’, families’, and staff’s views. It looks at relationships, safety, and more⁵.
The NJ SCI Survey was made with help from education groups to fit the needs of New Jersey’s K-12 schools⁵.
There are resources for supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, like the NJ’s Transgender Information Hub and Proud & Empowered⁵.

Creating a positive school climate means looking at data, stopping bullying, making a safe place, supporting learning, and building strong relationships⁶.

school climate

“The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions” by Durlak et al. (2011) shows how social and emotional learning helps students⁵.

“School climate factors relating to teacher burnout: A mediator model” by Grayson and Alvarez (2008) looks at how the climate affects teacher burnout, using a mediator model⁵.⁵⁶

Data Analysis for Safety

Looking closely at crime data and discipline data is key to making schools safer. By doing this, school leaders can spot patterns and focus on safety issues⁷.

Studying the types and how often crisis incidents happen gives us important clues. This helps schools understand their safety needs. It also guides them in making plans to reduce risks⁷.

Crime and Discipline Data Analysis

Looking at crime data and discipline data shows what needs work. For example, one school saw many incidents were due to missing classes and being late. So, they worked on getting students to attend on time⁷. Schools with lots of suspensions might have bigger problems like disorder or too many students⁷.

Collecting incident data can help schools get more money for safety and learning⁷. This data also helps check if safety plans are working. It guides where to spend resources⁷. Having a strong school-wide discipline system is key to fixing discipline issues and helping students⁷.

Using data helps school leaders make smart choices to improve safety and discipline. This makes schools better places for all students⁷⁸⁹.

Strategic Supervision Planning

Creating a solid plan for school supervision is a smart way to boost school climate and reduce safety risks¹⁰. Experts look at what the school needs and make a plan to improve supervision in key areas. This makes the school safer and more secure¹⁰.

First, schools need to check their safety rules and see where they can get better¹¹. They should look at emergency plans, check staff training, and practice safety drills with police¹¹. It’s important to have regular meetings to keep the plan fresh and working well¹¹.

Using data is key in planning supervision¹². Schools should look at past incidents and safety trends to shape their safety plans¹². Working with security experts, police, and emergency teams helps spot threats and plan how to stop them¹².

Good supervision planning means setting clear rules for emergencies, knowing who does what, and testing the plan with drills¹². Schools must also make sure their safety plans follow the law, handle child abuse, keep the school safe, and deal with discipline¹².

With a strong supervision plan, schools can make their school climate better and lessen safety risks. This makes the school a safer place for everyone¹⁰.

Site and Facilities Inspections

Keeping school facilities safe is key to a secure learning space. Detailed inspections of the site and facilities are crucial. They help spot threats and take steps to stop them¹³.

Access Control

Checking the school’s access control systems is a must. This means looking at how visitors sign in, how ID cards work, and how people move in and out¹³. Suggestions might be made to make access control better and stop unauthorized entry, lowering the chance of security issues.

Communication Systems

Good communication systems are vital in emergencies. Inspections will check how well intercoms, public address, and emergency alerts work. They make sure these systems are ready for staff and students¹³. It might suggest updates or new systems to help the school react fast and well to different situations.

Alarm Systems

Alarm systems like fire alarms and intruder alerts are key to school safety. Inspections look at how well these systems work, cover the area, and connect with others¹³. They might suggest updates to make sure alarms are dependable and quick to respond, adding more safety for everyone.

By doing detailed inspections, schools can learn a lot about their safety and how ready they are. This helps administrators fix weak spots, improve safety steps, and take steps to stop threats. This makes schools safer for students, staff, and the whole community¹³.

Inspection Item	Compliance Requirement	Frequency
Building and Grounds	State law requires semi-annual inspection	Twice per year
Kitchen/Cafeteria	Some equipment and assets have more frequent evaluation schedules	Varies
Transportation Safety and School Buses	Annual inspection and compliance requirements	Yearly
Fire Inspections	Mandatory annual fire inspection and reporting	Yearly

Many schools use facilities maintenance software to make inspections easier and follow rules¹³. This tech can cut down on maintenance costs and boost productivity by automating checklists and making detailed reports¹³.

“Most state school inspection guidelines can be found via the state’s department of health and/or education website.”¹³

Student Threat Assessment

Handling threats of violence in schools is key to keeping students safe. Experts use a special approach to spot and manage students who might be a danger to others¹⁴. This method is backed by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Secret Service’s Safe School Initiative. It helps schools deal with threats and make learning safer.

Student Threat Assessment and Inquiry Implementation

A team of experts, including school leaders, counselors, and police, works together to check and handle student behaviors¹⁵. This team makes sure they have all the facts, figure out the threat level, and take steps to lessen risks. They also work to help all students feel safe and supported.

Using these threat assessment methods has shown big benefits. For example, it can cut long-term suspensions by half and reduce violence in schools¹⁶. These programs also boost parent involvement, make students feel safer, and help students see school staff in a better light.

By focusing on student threat assessment and a detailed inquiry process, schools can improve their safety plans. This makes schools safer, more supportive places for students and staff.

Testing Safety Practices

Keeping students and staff safe is a top goal for schools. They often work with experts to check how well their safety steps work. These experts try to sneak into schools to find weak spots and suggest ways to get better¹⁷.

During these tests, experts try to get into places they shouldn’t without permission. This could be anywhere from classrooms to restricted areas. It shows how strong a school’s security is, how alert the guards are, and if they’re ready for threats¹⁸.

This testing shows where a school’s safety is weak. Then, schools can fix these issues and follow safety rules better. This leads to stronger security, better-trained staff, and a safer school¹⁷.

Experts say it’s key to keep testing and improving security because dangers and weak spots change. By always getting better, schools can keep their safety steps up to date with new threats¹⁷.

Testing how easy it is to get into schools is a big help for safety experts. It finds weak spots and pushes schools to follow the best safety rules. This makes schools safer for everyone¹⁸.

Aspect	Impact
Lack of Staffing	Inadequate supervision during transitions due to staff shortages¹⁸
Distractions and Multitasking	Educators’ focus on multiple tasks affects continuous supervision during transitions¹⁸
Physical Layout and Size	Difficulties in effectively monitoring all students due to multiple entry points and blind spots¹⁸
Bullying and Harassment	Common findings in school safety assessments, impacting student well-being and learning environment¹⁸
Cyberbullying	Technology has extended the reach and impact of bullying behaviors, necessitating preventive measures¹⁸

By tackling these issues with focused actions and ongoing improvement, schools can make a safer place for learning for everyone¹⁸.

Foundational Elements of School Safety

Keeping students, teachers, and staff safe is a top goal for schools everywhere. They need a strong base to handle different safety issues. This includes threat assessments, safety teams, reporting systems, emergency plans, safety training, and recovery plans¹⁹.

Physical security is key to school safety²⁰. Schools use locked doors, monitored entrances, security staff, and more to keep everyone safe¹⁹. They’re also looking into new tech like polycarbonate security glazing from Riot Glass, LLC, for better safety.

Good communication is vital in emergencies²⁰. Schools need things like loud PA systems and two-way radios in classrooms²¹. Using cell phones for alerts can also help in emergencies.

²¹ Training staff on safety and how to act in emergencies is important²¹. Schools should review their safety plans yearly and keep contact info up to date for staff and emergency teams.

By focusing on these key areas, schools can get better at keeping everyone safe¹⁹. Being proactive and thorough in safety efforts is key to keeping the whole school community safe.

Promoting Psychological Safety

Physical security is key, but so is psychological safety3>. This means feeling secure and trusting within the school. It’s about building positive relationships and a climate of trust3>.

A safe school climate boosts student engagement, creativity, and teamwork1>. Amy Edmondson says it’s about feeling safe to take risks²². Check-ins help understand feelings and make the school welcoming1>. Activities like games and playlists bring joy and motivation1>.

Positive feedback in a safe space helps students learn from mistakes and grow1>. When students feel safe, they learn better and reach their goals1>.

Leaders like Greta Sandler and Stephanie, from Gold EDU and Control the Chaos EDU, focus on safe learning spaces1>. They believe in psychological safety to build trust and improve the school community3>.

Strategies for Promoting Psychological Safety	Key Benefits
Check-ins to understand student emotions Discussion diamonds to facilitate effective discussions Growth mindset to empower individuals Positive feedback to enable learning from mistakes Engaging activities like games and collaborative playlists	Increased engagement, creativity, and collaboration Greater resilience and motivation Positive learning environment and student growth

“The most important factor for successful teams was creating ‘psychologically safe environments.'”

– Google study on effective teams²³

By focusing on psychological safety, schools create a supportive culture. This benefits everyone in the school community²³.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Keeping schools safe is key to a positive learning space. The Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) model is a top way to boost school safety²⁴. It uses the school’s design to stop crime and build community pride²⁵.

Natural Access Control

CPTED says using natural barriers like locked doors and single entry points is crucial²⁴. These steps help keep out unwanted visitors and make the school safer²⁴.

Natural Surveillance

Good surveillance is another CPTED principle. It means designing the school to be easily watched and supervised²⁴. This can be done with open landscaping, placing teachers in key spots, and clear views across the school²⁴.

Territoriality

Feeling like you belong is important, says CPTED. This is done through school symbols, clean buildings, and student art²⁴. These things make the school feel like a community²⁴.

Maintenance

Keeping the school clean and well-lit is also key, CPTED says²⁴. This means having good lighting, clean facilities, and removing any signs of trouble, like trash or graffiti²⁴.

Using these CPTED ideas, schools can be safe and build a strong community feeling²⁵. This approach has shown to cut crime and make schools better places²⁴.

CPTED Principle	Description	Example
Natural Access Control	Strategically placed locked doors, single points of entry, and visitor monitoring systems to restrict unauthorized access.	Clearly marked and controlled entry/exit points, visitor sign-in procedures, and secure door locks.
Natural Surveillance	Designing the physical environment to encourage natural observation and supervision.	Low-lying landscaping, strategic placement of adult supervision, and clear sight lines throughout the school grounds.
Territoriality	Fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among students, faculty, and the broader school community.	School branding, well-maintained facilities, and student-created artwork to strengthen school identity and community.
Maintenance	Consistent maintenance of the physical security and aesthetics of the school environment.	Functioning lighting, well-kept facilities, and prompt removal of signs of disorder (e.g., litter, graffiti).

“The principles of territoriality, surveillance, image, and milieu are integral to the principles outlined in CPTED for school safety.”²⁴

By using CPTED, schools can make a safer, friendlier place that encourages community and stops crime²⁵.

School Safety Promotion by Educators

Educators are key in making schools safe and positive places. They focus on preventing problems and teach safety in the curriculum. This helps all students and staff feel safe and like they belong²⁶.

Prevention and Positive School Climate

Teachers can start by setting clear rules and teaching students how to manage their feelings²⁶. This creates a supportive school culture where students choose to act responsibly. Schools also work with local groups like emergency teams, police, and mental health experts for better safety plans²⁶.

Integrating Safety into Curriculum

Educators can add safety lessons to their teaching, using books and discussions on solving conflicts and relationships²⁶. This makes safety a big part of school life. Students learn why their and others’ safety matters²⁶.

Groups like the National PTA offer tools for teachers to promote school safety²⁷. They have guides like “Be Safe and Sound in School” and “Framework for Safe and Successful Schools” for better safety²⁷. Programs like “Be SMART” and “Know the Signs” help teachers spot and deal with safety issues²⁷.

By focusing on school safety and creating a caring space, teachers help students take part in keeping their school safe and welcoming²⁶²⁷.

School Safety Resources

There are many resources to help make schools safer and more secure²⁸. These resources cover bullying prevention, lockdown drills, mental health support, and student wellness²⁸.

The Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention offers tools for a safe school environment²⁹. The book “Lockdown Drills” gives detailed advice on lockdown drills and emergency plans²⁹.

The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) has great resources on school safety³⁰. Their Firearms Safety Task Force report talks about protecting kids from accidents and supporting their mental health³⁰. The “Conversations on School Security” video series is also a must-watch for school leaders³⁰.

Other key resources include webinars from the American School Counselor Association and grief counseling from the National Alliance for Children’s Grief³⁰. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has tips for talking to kids about violence³⁰. These resources help make schools safer and more supportive for everyone³⁰.

Resource	Description
Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention	Provides information and tools for creating a safe and inclusive school environment.
“Lockdown Drills: Connecting Research and Best Practices”	A book that offers comprehensive guidance on conducting effective lockdown drills and emergency preparedness.
New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA)	Offers resources on school safety regulations, best practices, and the “Conversations on School Security” video series.
American School Counselor Association	Provides webinars, guidelines, and resources on school safety.
National Alliance for Children’s Grief	Offers grief counseling resources for children and youth.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network	Offers tips and resources for talking to children about violence and coping with traumatic events.

By using these school safety resources, schools can become safer and more supportive places for all students³⁰.

Conclusion

School safety experts say we need to look at both the mind and the body to keep schools safe. With more mass shootings in schools, keeping students and staff safe is a big worry³¹. Schools are fighting back with cameras, security guards, vape detectors, and programs to stop fights³¹. They’re also working with police to stop drug use, which is a big safety issue³¹.

Studies show that feeling safe at school makes students do better in school. They come more often, skip school less, and do better in their studies³². Safety is key to helping students do well in school³². Schools can make a safe place by checking their rules, making sure they have good crisis plans, and keeping an eye on who’s around³².

Teachers are key in making schools safe. They work on preventing problems, making a positive school atmosphere, and teaching safety lessons³¹. Schools also use technology like cameras and systems to control who comes in³¹. By working together, schools can spot and stop problems early³³.

FAQ

What do school safety experts focus on?

School safety experts check and improve school safety plans and crisis plans. They look at how well staff and security work and study the school’s atmosphere. This helps find areas that need work.

What are the foundational elements of school safety?

The key parts of school safety come from SchoolSafety.gov. These elements help check if a school is ready for safety.

What are the key aspects of psychological and physical safety in schools?

Schools need to focus on both feeling safe and being safe. Feeling safe means having good relationships and trust. Being safe means making the school environment secure with things like better surveillance and access control.

What does a safety policy and procedure review involve?

Reviewing safety policies looks at if they work and if they cover all safety areas. It checks if they are up to date and if they protect the school.

How does a crisis plan assessment work?

A crisis plan check looks at how the school plans to handle crises. It finds what’s missing and suggests ways to get better prepared.

What does a personnel and internal security audit include?

This audit looks at how secure the school’s staff and procedures are. It checks if they follow rules, keep things private, hire right, and follow security rules.

How do school climate and culture assessments help improve safety?

These assessments look at the school’s atmosphere to find what’s not right. They give advice on how to get better and follow rules.

How can crime and discipline data analysis benefit school safety?

Looking closely at crime and discipline data helps spot problems. It gives advice on how to get better and understand what the school needs for safety.

What is the role of strategic supervision in improving school safety?

Strategic supervision is a smart way to make schools safer. It’s cheap but makes a big difference in how safe the school feels and lowers safety risks.

What does a site and facilities inspection involve?

This inspection checks how secure the school is. It looks at access, visitor control, and how well systems work. It gives advice on how to make things safer.

How can student threat assessment procedures be developed and improved?

Experts look at how the school checks for threats. They make sure it works well and is safe. They help make new ways to spot and deal with threats.

How do consultants test the existing daily safety practices?

Consultants try to get into schools to see where safety is weak. This helps find what needs to be fixed to make things safer.

What resources are available to help districts and schools evaluate their school safety readiness?

SchoolSafety.gov has a Safety Readiness Tool. It helps schools check how they’re doing on safety. It gives a plan and resources to help.

How can educators promote school safety through prevention and positive climate development?

Teachers can make schools safer by preventing problems and creating a positive place. They set clear rules, teach social skills, and include safety in lessons.

What additional resources are available for learning more about school safety?

For more on school safety, check out the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention’s website. Also, read “Lockdown Drills: Connecting Research and Best Practices for School Administrators, Teachers, and Parents” by an expert.