SAFEGUARDING THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY: A STANDARDIZED APPROACH TO STATEWIDE BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS

Abstract

This thesis reviews a series of past school-setting incidents, assesses data on the characteristics and management of those situations, and documents existing practices and mandates with government agency protocols and recommendations to evaluate early signs of threat through behavioral threat assessment and management. Specifically, it presents case studies examining policies and actions facilitated to address violent episodes in the following schools: STEM School Highlands Ranch in Douglas County, Colorado; Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida; Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas; and Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado. This thesis analyzes these schools’ policies and protocols, flaws, and weaknesses revealed in the aftermath of the incidents; surveys state legislation before and after the attacks; and details violence prevention initiatives at the federal level. This thesis finds that threat assessment programs can help identify students who pose a threat to the school’s environment and help schools better prepare appropriate interventions before attacks are carried out. The components of effective threat assessment programs include creating consistent training, communicating protocols and policies, utilizing the same language across districts, and engaging in broad community outreach.