FBI’s 2023 Active Shooter Report, Summer Planning for Student Wellbeing, and Alyssa’s Law

School may be out for summer, but that doesn’t mean the work is slowing down for the educators, emergency responders, and legislators responsible for planning school safety initiatives.?

We are seeing a variety of legislative and technological advancements aimed at creating safer learning environments that will be discussed in this month’s edition. From state-specific laws to comprehensive security measures, these efforts reflect a growing commitment to student and staff wellbeing.??

Let's explore some of the latest trends and updates in school safety.?

Released on June 24th, this report examines active shooter incidents in the United States for the year 2023. The primary objective is to provide an overview of these incidents, aiming to enhance understanding among law enforcement, first responders, and the public about the threats and impacts associated with active shooter scenarios, particularly within the context of school safety.?

Key Findings:?

Incident Statistics:?

• The FBI designated 48 shootings as active shooter incidents in 2023, representing a slight decrease from 2022 but a significant increase from 2019.?
• These incidents resulted in 244 casualties, including 105 killed and 139 wounded.?

Education-Specific Data:?

• Three active shooter incidents occurred in educational settings in 2023.?
• These incidents resulted in 19 casualties, including 12 killed and 7 wounded.?
• The shooters were neither current students nor employees at the time of the incidents, highlighting the need for comprehensive safety protocols that include all potential threats. One shooter was a former student.??

Critical Interventions:?

• The report emphasizes the importance of active shooter training for law enforcement, first responders, and civilians, including educators.?
• Programs like the "Don't Name Them" campaign, which shifts focus from perpetrators to victims and heroes, aim to reduce the notoriety of shooters and support community healing.?

• Collaboration with local law enforcement and the use of resources like the FBI's Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP) training can significantly enhance school safety.?

Strategic Recommendations:?

• Schools should adopt and regularly practice active shooter drills to ensure preparedness.?
• Increased vigilance and reporting mechanisms for any suspicious behavior or potential threats are crucial.?
• Building strong relationships with local law enforcement can facilitate quicker and more effective responses to incidents.?

Overall, this latest Active Shooter report from the FBI underscores the critical need for proactive measures and informed responses to mitigate the risks and enhance the safety of educational institutions and other vulnerable locations.?

Summer is an invaluable time for school districts to focus on planning and implementing programs that truly benefit student wellbeing. As I discussed with Dr. Allison Willeman, these months offer a unique chance to prioritize our goals and tackle critical safety measures without the daily hustle and bustle of the school year. By taking manageable steps—whether it's fine-tuning threat assessment protocols, boosting mental health support, or partnering with local emergency services—we can create a safer, more supportive environment for our students.?

One of the key advantages of utilizing the summer period is the ability to delve into strategic planning without the pressure of ongoing classes and activities. This time allows us to thoughtfully analyze our current systems, identify potential gaps, and implement meaningful changes that might be challenging to address during the school year. For example, enhancing mental health resources can significantly impact student wellbeing, providing them with the support they need to thrive academically and personally.?

Additionally, fostering partnerships with local emergency services during these quieter months can enhance school preparedness and ensure a more coordinated response to any potential threats. These collaborations not only bolster our safety protocols but also strengthen our community bonds, making our school environment a more connected and resilient place for everyone.?

This proactive approach means that when students return, they will find a well-prepared, resilient school community dedicated to their safety and overall growth. It’s about building a foundation during the summer that supports a thriving, secure, and nurturing environment for our students all year round.?

Dr. Amy Grosso, Director, Resident Expert at Raptor Technologies?

Legislation and Grants?

Alyssa’s Law Update: Oklahoma Schools the Latest to Add Alyssa’s Law?

Oklahoma has recently enacted Alyssa’s Law to boost school safety with advanced panic alert systems.?

House Bill 4073 mandates mobile panic alert systems in all school districts starting 2024-25. It allows schools to choose from various panic alert systems, enhancing emergency preparedness.??

Alabama SB98—The School Security Act?

Effective October 1, 2024, Alabama’s School Security Act establishes the School Security Program.??

The Program will require school facilities to be inspected once every 5 years to ensure compliance with statewide school security criteria, which will be established by the Board of Education and other stakeholders.??

The criteria will include a rubric that inspectors will use to ensure that schools’ physical security measures (including alarm systems, intercoms and communications equipment, panic buttons, and more) are up to standard.?

Additionally, the bill:?

• Establishes the School Mapping Data Program to provide accurate maps of each school for use in emergencies.?
• Requires each local board of education to designate a district safety coordinator. This safety coordinator will be required to:?
• Complete training related to lockdown best practices; relocation, evacuation, and reunification; behavioral threat assessment, and more.?
• Organize, administer, or attend at least one school-based lockdown drill and one other safety drill per semester and review the implementation of those drills with the building-level administrator?
• Annually review schools’ Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and notify their superintendent of education of any building-level administrator or school that doesn’t have an up-to-date EOP. The local superintendent must ensure the? EOP is updated within 30 days of their receipt of notice.?

Tennessee General Assembly Passes School Safety Laws?

The Tennessee General Assembly passed new laws to enhance school safety. These include increased funding for physical security measures, mental health resources, and training programs for staff.?

One such bill, TN HB 2528, establishes a school safety alert grant pilot program designed to enhance safety measures in schools across Tennessee through the implementation of mobile panic alert systems. Signed by Governor Bill Lee on May 21, 2024, this bill goes into effect on July 1.??

Weapons in Connecticut Public Schools?

A study by WCSU investigates the motives behind weapons incidents in Connecticut public schools and recommends prevention methods. The report focuses on understanding why students bring weapons to school and proposes strategies for reducing these incidents through targeted interventions and enhanced security measures.?

Key findings include:?

• Increased Incidents: There has been a noticeable increase in the number of weapons confiscated from students in the 2022-2023 school year compared to the previous year.?
• Repeat Offenses: A significant number of students have been caught with weapons multiple times.?
• Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams: Schools with designated teams to assess behavioral threats reported fewer incidents, suggesting that such teams are effective in preventing weapon-related offenses.?

Washington Schools Report Increase in Weapons Incidents?

The Weapons in Schools (2024) report from Washington state highlights similar trends:?

• Rising Numbers: The state saw an 11.6% increase in weapon possession incidents in the 2022-2023 school year.?
• Types of Weapons: Firearms were involved in many of these incidents, all reported at public schools.?
• Consequences: There was a 12.05% increase in suspensions and a 49.32% decrease in expulsions, indicating a shift towards less severe but more frequent disciplinary actions.?

The increase has prompted calls for stricter safety protocols and more robust preventative measures. Schools are working closely with law enforcement and community organizations to address the root causes and enhance campus security.?

Impact of Student Discipline Policy Reform on Illinois Educators?

An IEA report released this year examines the impact of discipline policy reforms on educators in Illinois.??

It highlights changes in school environments, challenges faced by educators, and the effectiveness of new strategies in managing student behavior and maintaining a positive learning atmosphere. This includes:?

• Policy Changes: Senate Bill 100 aims to eliminate zero-tolerance policies and reduce exclusionary discipline.?
• Educator Perception: Many educators feel that the reforms have led to increased aggressive and violent behavior due to a lack of resources and support for implementing alternative disciplinary measures.?
• Training and Resources: There is a critical need for better training and more resources to help educators handle discipline effectively and maintain school safety.?

National Drug Threat Assessment 2024: Implications for K-12 Educators?

The DEA's 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment (NDTA) provides a comprehensive analysis of the current illicit drug threats in the United States, highlighting critical issues and strategies pertinent to K-12 educators. This report underscores the alarming rise in synthetic drug use, particularly fentanyl, which has become the deadliest drug threat the nation has ever faced.?

Key insights for educators include:?

• Drug Crisis Impact: Synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes are responsible for nearly all fatal drug poisonings, significantly affecting young people.?
• Social Media and Drug Trafficking: The role of social media in facilitating drug distribution is highlighted, stressing the need for educators to be vigilant about students' online activities.?
• Educational Resources: Programs such as Operation Prevention provide valuable tools for grades 3-12 to educate students about the dangers of drug misuse.?
• Community Collaboration: The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration between schools, law enforcement, and community organizations to address the drug crisis effectively.?
• Prevention Initiatives: Strategies like awareness campaigns and enhanced safety measures within schools are crucial in preventing drug-related incidents and promoting student wellbeing.?

West Virginia Schools Explore New Safety Measures?

West Virginia schools are considering the introduction of advanced safety technologies and protocols. These measures include upgraded security systems, comprehensive safety training for staff, and collaborative efforts with local law enforcement to enhance the protection of students.?

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Virginia Schools Digitize Floor Plans?

About 98% of Virginia schools have digitized their floor plans to improve safety and emergency response since Governor Glenn Youngkin launched a grant program in 2022 to fund the initiative.??

These digital maps, accessible to first responders, aim to streamline coordination during emergencies, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of responses to incidents in schools.?

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Ohio Bill to Strengthen School Door Standards?

Ohio is considering a bill to enhance door security standards in schools. The proposed legislation includes specific requirements for door strength and locking mechanisms, aiming to prevent unauthorized access and improve overall safety for students and staff.?

Emphasizing the importance of extending school safety measures to cover extracurricular activities and events, comprehensive safety requires not only detailed planning but also continuous training and awareness. These insights from leaders in the field highlight the critical need for proactive and layered security strategies to protect students, staff, and communities during school events.?

“We tend to focus a lot of times on just the school itself, but extending that perimeter outside of the school needs toinclude things like graduation and athletic events. High school football is such a huge thing in Texas, for example, that we have stadiums with seats around 8,000 or more. So, put together operational plans addressing emergency responses at these special events—and not only discuss those plans ahead of time, but train your staff on it as well.” Commander Tim Hicks, Midlothian Police Department in Texas?

"At the Secret Service, we consider security in layers: the outer perimeter, the middle perimeter—which mostly encompasses parking lots to the front door—and then the inner perimeter, which extends from the front door inside. Considerations include adjacent community resources. Are there residential homes with clear lines of sight into your mass gathering event? Are there any events within your city that could lead to an increase in crime? Is there gang activity? Are there other groups that might want to cause harm or see your event as a target of opportunity? These are some of the aspects that must be examined before hosting such events." - Mike Matranga, CEO of M6 Global Defense and former Special Agent in the Presidential Protection Division of the United States Secret Service?

Jun 30-Jul 3?

National Charter Schools Conference (NCSC)?

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Jul 8-11?

TASRO 11th Annual School Safety Conference?

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Jul 8-11?

FACTS Elevate?

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Jul 10-12?

Safe School Conference?

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Jul 10?

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Principal's Summer Summit?

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Jul 14-19?

NASRO National School Safety Conference?

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Jul 15-19?

FASRO School Safety Conference?

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