There’s a Gun in my School: Helping Teachers Prevent and React to School Violence Dr. Amy Andersen Dr. Harry Hueston West Texas A&M University

Issues How are teachers being trained to prevent and react to school violence? What are school districts in your area doing to train teachers?

Issues Districts in our area were giving a quick overview of lockdown procedures on each campus but no formal training for teachers

Issues Created a survey to investigate Demographic data Statements about school violence training I am aware of procedures I know how to report a weapon on campus I am worried about the possibility, etc.

Survey Survey created for in-service teachers We would like you to fill out the survey now to help us and your administrators decide what your needs are as teachers

Texas Law Issues All districts must have a multi-hazard security operations plan in place which must include: District employee training for emergency response Mandatory school drills involving employees and students Coordination with local emergency management and law enforcement

School Violence Statistics School Associated Violent Deaths for Talk about results with your colleagues Any patterns that you note?

Issues Confer with your colleagues to come up with the following List the top three concerns you have about violence in schools or the classroom Be ready to share these concerns with the group

Possible Issues for Discussion Bullying Characteristics of possible violent students MySpace/Facebook Others?

Characteristics Most troubled youth involved in violent incidents have demonstrated or talked with others about: Bullying Feelings of isolation Feelings of anger Depression Frustration

Overview of Full Workshop Introduction of program goals Shared survey results Shared national crime statistics showing size and makeup of towns affected Preview of the use of verbal judo

Overview of Full Workshop Verbal judo steps Introduce the steps of verbal judo Practice each step Role play possible violent situations using verbal judo skills

Overview of Full Workshop There’s a gun in my classroom! Role play Participants given scenario Groups must write what they would do Report/discuss with group Group/ leaders critique and problem solve

Overview of Full Workshop Discuss/critique lockdown procedures of area school districts

Overview of Full Workshop Active shooter Active school shooter situation described in detail Reviewed steps in lockdown What police will do

University Police chief Contents of active shooter kit Details of police actions Details of possible scenes

Overview of Full Workshop Related issues Media Parents Aftermath Close with long discussion of emotional aftermath of active shooter incidents Seek counseling Counseling for students

Overview of Full Workshop Areas of student concern in session 3 and 4 What if a student is left out in the hall after doors are closed and locked? Who can I open the door to? Why don’t they signal an “all clear” on the PA system?

Student Reactions “This program really put things in perspective for me. There has always been this little voice in the back of my mind asking what I would do in a situation such as a school shooting. I feel like I could be prepared for such an event.”

Student Reactions “The demonstration from the police chief and the video were such an eye opener. I got LOTS of valuable information.”

Student Reactions “This was really good. Why couldn’t you have the scenario played out from beginning to end. Put us in the situation with police and everything involved.”

Next Steps Students will take post program survey Data will be analyzed and compared with pre-program survey Students will receive certificate of completion to place in their portfolio

Can We Help You? If you are interested in training your students or teachers in your district, please contact us. You can Dr. Harry Hueston Dr. Amy Andersen